10 Plants to Grow and Harvest in Just 40 Days

Vegetable gardening offers good way to exercise along with added benefits of having nutrient rich and chemical free food.

Growing your own food isn’t tough, provided that you’re willing to invest few hours every day to nurture your vegetable garden.

After harvest your summer crop, you can try planting mid-summer or late summer veggies that can grow and start to harvest within 40 days.

Before you jump to start, make sure to note the first frost in your region. Also, be choosy while growing late summer veggies.

Not all vegetable plants prefer to grow in low temperatures.

To summarize, radish, baby beets, turnips, spinach, lettuce and kale are few fast growing veggies you can expect the harvest in 40 days.

10 Fast-Growing Vegetables to Plant in Late Summer

Your backyard should have all types of plants, like heat-loving, warm-loving and cold weather crops.

Once you harvest the heat-loving plants, you can start off with veggies that can survive in less warmer climate.

As sunlight heat reduces, these heat-loving plants starts to wind down and produce lesser harvest. So, it’s to shift your prime focus on plants that can thrive in cooler weather.

1. Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, often ready to harvest in as little as 20 to 30 days. They thrive in cooler temperatures, making late summer an ideal time to plant them.

Radishes come in a variety of colors and shapes, adding both flavor and visual appeal to your garden and kitchen.

How to Grow: Sow radish seeds directly into well-drained soil, about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Thin seedlings to about 2 inches apart once they’ve sprouted. Radishes prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist to ensure even growth.

Harvesting Tips: Radishes are ready to harvest when they’re about the size of a marble. If left in the ground too long, they can become woody and lose their flavor. Simply pull them up by their tops and enjoy their crisp, peppery taste in salads or as a snack.

2. Arugula

Arugula, also known as rocket or salad rocket, is a leafy green with a distinctive peppery flavor. It’s a cool-season crop that grows quickly, making it perfect for late summer planting. Arugula is ready to harvest in just 30 to 40 days, and the young leaves add a delightful zing to salads and sandwiches.

How to Grow: Directly sow arugula seeds in well-drained soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Space rows about 6 inches apart. Arugula prefers full sun but can also grow well in partial shade. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Harvesting Tips: Harvest arugula leaves when they’re about 2 to 3 inches long. You can either pick individual leaves or cut the entire plant at the base. For a continuous supply, sow new seeds every two weeks throughout late summer and early fall.

3. Lettuce

Lettuce is another cool-season crop that grows quickly, making it ideal for a late summer planting. There are several types of lettuce that mature in 30 to 40 days, including loose-leaf, butterhead, and romaine varieties. Lettuce is not only easy to grow but also adds fresh, crisp greens to your meals.

How to Grow: Sow lettuce seeds directly into the soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Space the seeds about 1 inch apart and thin seedlings to about 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety. Lettuce prefers cool, moist conditions, so keep the soil consistently watered and consider planting in a shaded area during the hottest part of late summer.

Harvesting Tips: For loose-leaf varieties, you can begin harvesting when the leaves are large enough to eat. Simply pick the outer leaves and allow the center to continue growing. For head lettuce, wait until the heads are firm and fully formed before cutting at the base.

4. Spinach

Spinach is a nutritious leafy green that grows quickly in cool weather. Late summer planting can yield a harvest in just 30 to 40 days, especially if you choose fast-maturing varieties. Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to salads, smoothies, and cooked dishes.

How to Grow: Sow spinach seeds directly into well-drained soil, about 1/2 inch deep. Space rows about 12 inches apart and thin seedlings to about 4 to 6 inches apart. Spinach prefers partial shade in the heat of late summer, so consider planting in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.

Harvesting Tips: Harvest spinach leaves when they’re large enough to eat, but before they start to yellow or bolt. You can pick individual leaves or cut the entire plant about an inch above the soil to encourage new growth.

5. Turnips

Turnips are a versatile root vegetable that can be harvested in as little as 40 days when grown for their tender greens or small, sweet roots. Both the roots and the greens are edible, offering a two-in-one crop that’s perfect for late summer planting.

How to Grow: Sow turnip seeds directly into well-prepared soil, about 1/2 inch deep. Space seeds about 1 inch apart and thin seedlings to about 3 to 4 inches apart once they’ve sprouted. Turnips prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in hot weather. Keep the soil consistently moist for the best growth.

Harvesting Tips: For greens, begin harvesting when the leaves are about 4 to 6 inches tall. For roots, wait until they’re about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Larger turnips can become tough and woody, so harvest them promptly.

6. Bok Choy

Bok choy, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a fast-growing vegetable that’s perfect for late summer planting. It matures in just 30 to 40 days and is a staple in Asian cuisine. Bok choy’s tender leaves and crisp stems add a delightful crunch to stir-fries, soups, and salads.

How to Grow: Sow bok choy seeds directly into well-drained soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Space seeds about 1 inch apart and thin seedlings to about 6 to 8 inches apart. Bok choy prefers partial shade during the hot late summer days, so consider planting in a location that gets some afternoon shade.

Harvesting Tips: Harvest bok choy when the plants are about 6 to 8 inches tall. You can either pick individual leaves or cut the entire plant at the base. If you cut above the crown, the plant may regrow for a second harvest.

7. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are a spicy, flavorful leafy green that grows quickly in cool weather. They’re ready to harvest in just 30 to 40 days, making them an excellent choice for late summer planting. Mustard greens can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a side dish.

How to Grow: Sow mustard green seeds directly into the soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Space rows about 12 inches apart and thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart. Mustard greens prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.

Harvesting Tips: Harvest mustard greens when the leaves are about 3 to 6 inches long. Pick the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. The younger the leaves, the milder the flavor, so harvest early for a less pungent taste.

8. Bush Beans

Bush beans are a warm-season crop that can be harvested in just 40 days, making them a great option for late summer planting. Unlike pole beans, bush beans don’t require a trellis and grow compactly, making them ideal for small spaces or container gardens.

How to Grow: Sow bush bean seeds directly into well-drained soil, about 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart. Space rows about 18 to 24 inches apart. Bush beans prefer full sun and warm soil, so plant them in a sunny spot and keep the soil evenly moist.

Harvesting Tips: Harvest bush beans when the pods are about 4 to 6 inches long and firm to the touch. Be sure to pick beans regularly to encourage continued production. Beans are best eaten fresh but can also be frozen or canned for later use.

9. Zucchini

Zucchini is a prolific summer squash that can be harvested in just 40 days from planting. This fast-growing vegetable is perfect for late summer gardens and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries to baked goods.

How to Grow: Sow zucchini seeds directly into well-drained soil, about 1 inch deep. Space seeds about 24 to 36 inches apart, as zucchini plants can spread out quite a bit. Zucchini prefers full sun and warm soil, so plant them in a sunny location and keep the soil consistently moist.

Harvesting Tips: Harvest zucchini when the fruits are about 6 to 8 inches long. Smaller zucchinis are more tender and flavorful, while larger ones can become tough and seedy. Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the fruit from the plant.

10. Baby Carrots

Baby carrots are a quick-growing variety that can be harvested in just 30 to 40 days. These small, sweet carrots are perfect for snacking and can be grown in garden beds or containers. Baby carrots are a great option for late summer planting, as they mature quickly and can be harvested before the first frost.

How to Grow: Sow baby carrot seeds directly into well-drained soil, about 1/4 inch deep. Space seeds about 1 inch apart and thin seedlings to about 2 inches apart once they’ve sprouted. Carrots prefer full sun and loose, sandy soil for the best root development.

Harvesting Tips: Harvest baby carrots when they’re about 1/2 inch in diameter. Gently loosen the soil around the roots and pull them up by the tops. Baby carrots are best eaten fresh but can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips for Successful Late Summer Planting

Late summer planting requires careful planning to ensure your crops mature quickly before cooler weather arrives. Here’s how to optimize your garden:

• Select Fast-Growing Varieties: Choose seeds labeled as “early harvest” or “quick-growing” to ensure a speedy crop.
• Enrich Your Soil: Boost soil nutrients with compost or organic matter to support rapid growth and better moisture retention.
• Water Consistently: High temperatures demand regular watering. Mulch can help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
• Provide Shade: Protect your crops from the intense late summer sun by using shade cloths or planting in areas with afternoon shade.
• Monitor Pests: Late summer often brings more pests. Keep an eye out and use organic pest control methods to maintain healthy plants.
• Harvest Often: Frequent harvesting encourages continued production and prevents vegetables from becoming tough or bitter.
• Practice Succession Planting: Plant new crops as soon as one is harvested to maximize garden productivity.
• Watch Frost Dates: Know your area’s frost dates and plan your harvest accordingly. Consider using row covers to extend the growing season.

Conclusion

It is possible to grow vegetables in late summer, but you must ensure to note the first frost in your region and growing requirements of the plant.

Radishes, kale, spinach and mustard greens are few of them that thrive in late summer.

You can also try microgreens indoors, filled with nutrients and vitamins, microgreens add nutrients punch to your salad.