Discover the 13 fastest-growing vegetables for your fall garden, including arugula, radishes, spinach, and more! Get expert tips for a thriving autumn harvest.

As a gardener with over a decade of experience, I’ve learned that fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice—it’s prime time for growing crisp, nutrient-rich veggies! Cooler temperatures and fewer pests make autumn gardening a joy, especially when you choose fast-growing vegetables that thrive in brisk weather. Below, I’ll share my top 13 picks (perfect for beginners!) and actionable tips to maximize your harvest before winter.
Why Grow a Fall Garden?
Fall gardening extends your growing season and rewards you with sweeter, frost-kissed greens and roots. Many crops, like kale and carrots, develop enhanced flavors after a light frost. Plus, you’ll save money on groceries and enjoy fresh produce straight from your backyard.
The 13 Fastest Vegetables for Your Fall Garden
1. Arugula (Rocket)

- Days to Harvest: 21–40 days .
- Tips: Direct sow seeds every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply. Baby leaves are ready in just 3 weeks!
- Best Varieties: Astro, Wild Rocket
- Fun Fact: Arugula’s peppery zing mellows when cooked—try it in soups or pesto!
2. Radishes

- Days to Harvest: 20–30 days
- Tips: Thin seedlings early to prevent crowding. Opt for quick varieties like ‘Cherry Belle’ (24 days!).
- Best Varieties: French Breakfast, Easter Egg Blend
- Personal Hack: Roast radishes with honey for a sweet, caramelized treat.
3. Spinach

- Days to Harvest: 30–45 days
- Tips: Sow in partial shade to avoid bolting. Harvest outer leaves to keep plants productive.
- Best Varieties: Bloomsdale, Giant Noble
4. Lettuce

- Days to Harvest: 30–60 days
- Tips: Choose loose-leaf types like Black Seeded Simpson for speedy results.
- Best Varieties: Buttercrunch, Red Oak Leaf
5. Turnips

- Days to Harvest: 30–60 days (roots), 20–30 days (greens)
- Tips: Grow ‘Tokyo Cross’ for tender salad turnips. Don’t toss the greens—sauté them with garlic!
6. Kale

- Days to Harvest: 20–50 days (baby leaves), 50–65 days (mature)
- Tips: Frost sweetens kale! Try ‘Lacinato’ for hearty soups.
- Personal Favorite: I add kale to morning smoothies for a nutrient boost.
7. Mustard Greens

- Days to Harvest: 20–40 days
- Tips: Harvest young leaves for milder flavor. ‘Southern Giant Curled’ thrives in cool weather.
8. Beets

- Days to maturity: 50-60 days
- Both roots and greens are edible
- ‘Early Wonder’ is a good variety for fall planting
9. Bok Choy (Pak Choi)

- Days to Harvest: 25–30 days (greens), 50–60 days (roots)
- Tips: Dual-purpose crop! Beet greens taste like Swiss chard.
- Best Varieties: Detroit Dark Red, Early Wonder
10. Swiss Chard

- Days to Harvest: 50–60 days
- Tips: Rainbow chard brightens garden beds. Cut outer leaves to prolong harvests.
11. Carrots

- Days to Harvest: 50–60 days (baby), 75–90 days (full)
- Tips: Plant ‘Little Finger’ in loose soil. Frost boosts their sweetness!
12. Kohlrabi

- Days to Harvest: 45–60 days
- Tips: Peel and slice the bulb for crunchy salads.
- Best Varieties: Early White Vienna
13. Peas

- Days to Harvest: 60–70 days
- Tips: Snow peas like ‘Sugar Ann’ thrive in cool temps. Use trellises for vertical growth.
Pro Tips for a Successful Fall Garden
1. Timing is Everything
Calculate planting dates using your area’s first frost date (find yours via Farmers’ Almanac). Count backward from this date using each crop’s “days to maturity” 69.
2. Boost Soil Health
Amend soil with compost or aged manure to replenish nutrients after summer crops. I always mix in a slow-release fertilizer like Espoma Garden-Tone for robust growth.
3. Water Wisely
Keep soil consistently moist—cooler days mean slower evaporation. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses work best 11.
4. Protect from Frost
Use row covers or cold frames to shield plants. In my Tennessee garden (Zone 7b), I’ve saved kale under blankets during sudden freezes!
5. Grow in Pots
Short on space? Radishes, arugula, and bok choy thrive in containers. Try these container gardening tips from my site.
Final Thoughts
Fall gardening is a race against the clock, but with these fast-growing vegetables, you’ll enjoy fresh salads, roasted roots, and stir-fries well into winter. For more guidance, explore my Fall Garden Planning Guide or check out the University of Minnesota Extension for zone-specific advice.
Happy planting, and may your autumn harvests be abundant! 🌱
For more gardening tips and plant care guides, visit usagardenhub.com.
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