Late summer doesn’t mean your garden is done for the year. In fact, there’s still time to squeeze in a final round of fast-growing crops. With the right timing and a little care, you can enjoy a fresh harvest well into fall.
These nine veggies love the warmth and mature quickly, making them perfect for last-minute planting. So grab your trowel—your garden still has plenty to give.
Bush Beans
Bush beans are heat-loving and quick to mature—many varieties are ready to harvest in just 50–60 days. Plant now and you’ll have fresh green beans before the first frost hits. Just keep them well-watered during hot spells.
Zucchini
Zucchini grows fast and doesn’t mind the heat, making it a great late-summer crop. You can expect a harvest in as little as 45 days. Plant it in full sun and give it room to spread out.
Cucumbers
Pickling or slicing cucumbers thrive in summer soil and can produce in as little as 50–65 days. Trellis them for better airflow and easier harvesting. Start now, and you’ll have crisp cucumbers by early fall.
Lettuce
Lettuce actually prefers the cooler days of late summer and early fall. Choose heat-tolerant varieties and give them partial shade if it’s still hot. With fast-maturing types, you could be picking leaves in 30 days or less.
Radishes
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing crops—some mature in just 25 days! Plant them in succession every week or two for a steady supply. They grow best as temperatures start to cool slightly toward the end of summer.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is hardy, heat-tolerant, and fast to mature—making it ideal for planting now. Baby leaves are ready in about 30 days, while mature leaves take closer to 60. It will continue producing well into fall.
Beets
Beets do well in the tail end of summer and early fall. You’ll get tender greens first and root harvests in about 55–70 days. Keep the soil consistently moist for best results.
Turnips
Turnips are great for a late-season planting because they mature quickly—most are ready in about 60 days. Both the greens and roots are edible and nutritious. They grow best as the days begin to cool.
Kale
Kale is a cool-season star, but it can still be planted in late summer for a fall crop. It matures in 50–70 days and actually tastes sweeter after a light frost. Try a few varieties for continuous harvests through the season.
It’s not too late to plant something great! With the right choices, your summer garden can roll right into fall with fresh, homegrown produce. So go ahead—get those seeds in the ground and enjoy one more round of garden goodness.
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