Is there anything better than enjoying fresh, perfectly ripe vegetables, especially when they come straight from your own urban garden or backyard? If you're looking to fill your garden with quick-growing veggies, you've come to the right place! Keep reading for some tips on the easiest vegetables to grow for a bountiful summer harvest.
Summer Squash
Summer squash is a fantastic choice if you want a fast-growing crop. With a growing season of about 70 days from seed to harvest, you can plant them now and have delicious squash ready just in time for late summer barbecues. Plant your squash early in well-drained soil and make sure they get plenty of sun and consistent deep watering. Harvesting regularly encourages more fruit and flowers, ensuring a continuous supply for your favorite recipes. You might even try your hand at making breaded and fried squash flowers, a sure crowd-pleaser!
Peas
Next up, peas! These versatile veggies have a relatively short growing period of about 60 days from seed to harvest. They're perfect for summer recipes like pasta salads or as a tasty side dish. Keep in mind that southern varieties like black-eyed peas and crowder peas are sensitive to frost, so plant them when the weather is consistently warm. If you live in a cooler climate, start them indoors about six weeks before transplanting. Peas thrive in both full and partial sun, but make sure to plant them in well-drained, sandy soil. Also, remember to keep peas away from onions and garlic, as they don't grow well together. However, peas love the company of strawberries and cucumbers, so feel free to plant them nearby!
Mizuna Greens
Mizuna greens are perfect for adding a fresh, summery touch to your meals. They're heat-tolerant and can withstand more extreme conditions if planted later in the spring or early summer. Pair mizuna with bright greens like sorrel or chard for a vibrant and beautiful garden display. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest frequently to encourage new growth.
Radish
Radishes are a great choice if you're looking for something that grows quickly. Some varieties can be ready to harvest in just about 25 days from planting. For a successful radish crop, sow the seeds in moist, well-drained soil and thin out the seedlings to about an inch apart once they're a week old. Avoid planting radishes in the same spot for three to four years in a row to prevent disease buildup in the soil.
Malabar Spinach
Malabar spinach is a unique crop that's perfect for adding a tropical flair to your garden and your meals! This type of spinach enjoys warm, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It grows vertically, making it a great option for small spaces—just train it to climb a trellis, fence, or tower. The flavor is a delightful mix of chard and regular spinach, making it versatile for both salads and sautéed dishes.
Tomatoes and Peppers
Tomatoes and peppers are classic garden staples that can be grown together since they have similar growing needs. Although they have a longer growing season, planting them now will still give you a chance for a late summer harvest. Both tomatoes and peppers need plenty of heat and full sun, along with consistent, deep watering. For more detailed guidance on growing these crops at home, check out our previous blog posts on how to grow tomatoes and how to grow peppers.
We can't wait to see your thriving vegetable gardens! Don't forget to tag us with your summer harvests and recipes using homegrown veggies. Interested in starting your own urban garden? Shop our Vegetable Seed Collection and start growing your favorite crops today!
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