Written by Benedict Vanheems | 24 September 2024
Think it’s too late to sow seeds for a harvest this year? Think again! With a bit of planning and quick action, you can still grow fresh, nutritious veggies before winter sets in. These fast-growing crops are perfect for cooler autumn weather, offering a bountiful harvest in just weeks. Let’s dive into the best options and how to make the most of your time.
1. Radishes: Crisp and Quick
Time to Harvest: 30 days
Radishes are one of the speediest vegetables to grow, ready in just a month. Perfect for autumn, they thrive in cooler temperatures and are less prone to pests like flea beetles. Sow radish seeds directly into well-drained soil about 1cm (½ inch) apart. Keep the soil moist, and in no time, you’ll see vibrant green shoots. Harvest them young—just a little larger than marbles—for a crunchy, spicy salad addition.
2. Arugula: Peppery Perfection
Time to Harvest: 40 days
Arugula is a cool-weather favorite, delivering its signature peppery flavor within five weeks. Scatter seeds on the soil surface, cover lightly, and keep the soil moist. It’s easy to grow in partial shade, and its leaves add zest to salads and sandwiches. For a twist, try mustard greens, which grow similarly and bring their own spicy kick.
Tip: Grow arugula in trays or crates for portability in case of an early cold snap.
3. Spinach: Nutrient-Packed Green
Time to Harvest: 40 days
Spinach loves the cool temperatures of autumn and is an excellent cut-and-come-again crop. Sow seeds 1cm (½ inch) deep, spaced about 30cm (1 foot) apart, or start them in plug trays for transplanting. Harvest baby leaves as soon as they’re big enough, and the plant will keep producing for weeks.
4. Lettuce: Quick and Easy Greens
Time to Harvest: 30–45 days
Loose-leaf lettuce varieties are perfect for a rapid harvest. Sow seeds thinly in rows 15cm (6 inches) apart. Water regularly, and you’ll have tender, fresh leaves in a matter of weeks. Like spinach, you can harvest repeatedly by picking the outer leaves.
5. Baby Kale: Versatile Superfood
Time to Harvest: 30 days
Kale thrives in cooler weather, and its baby leaves are ready in just a month. Sow seeds thinly and thin out seedlings to 15cm (6 inches) apart. Harvest tender leaves for salads or sautéing, and the plants will continue producing into late autumn.
6. Salad Onions: A Tangy Touch
Time to Harvest: 45 days
Choose winter-hardy salad onions for a late-season harvest. Sow seeds thinly in rows 15cm (6 inches) apart. Use thinnings early for a mild oniony flavor in salads while leaving others to mature.
7. Beets: Two Crops in One
Time to Harvest: 50 days
Beets provide both tender roots and nutrient-rich greens. Sow seeds 2cm (1 inch) apart, thin them to 8cm (3 inches) as they grow, and harvest greens early for salads. Pull baby beets when they’re the size of a table tennis ball.
Tips for Success: Protect and Defend
- Cold Protection: Use simple low tunnels with water piping and garden fleece to extend the growing season by up to two weeks.
- Slug Control: Combat slugs with traps or by keeping grass short around your beds. This creates fewer hiding spots and invites birds to keep pests in check.
Act quickly, and you’ll enjoy a vibrant, homegrown harvest well into the colder months. Gardening this late in the season is not only rewarding but a testament to nature’s resilience and abundance!