It’s no secret that gardening requires hard work, dedication and, above all, time. That said, not all vegetables take several months to mature.

From salad greens to root veggies, here are some of the fastest-growing foods to plant this spring, perfect for beginner gardeners:

Radish

Radish is a popular staple in most vegetable gardens. Rich in B complex vitamins, this little root veggie is perfect for brain health and digestion. Most varieties of radish take anywhere between 25–30 days to mature when sown in spring. Radish also thrives best in sunlight and in well-drained, rock-free soil.

Turnip

This root vegetable is one of the easiest plants to grow. It is also one of the healthiest due to its high amount of fiber and B complex vitamins. As a general rule, turnip requires little maintenance as long as it’s planted in rich, well-drained soil. Harvest the tender roots once these are about two to three inches in diameter.

Lettuce

Crisp lettuce leaves are a must-have in salads. To grow lettuce, plant the seeds in loose, moist and well-drained soil. Even without enriching the soil with organic fertilizer or compost, lettuce heads should mature in about a month.

Kale

Kale, another staple salad green, takes about 50–65 days to mature. That said, its leaves can be harvested after just 25 days as baby kale. It is also extremely nutritious thanks to the several micronutrients it possesses. These include potassium, manganese, calcium and vitamins A, C and K.

Green onions

If you find red onions too overpowering, opt for green onions instead. These tend to have a milder flavor compared to the onion bulbs themselves. That said, green onions are just as nutritious thanks to their high potassium and vitamin C content. Harvest the stalks three weeks after planting.

Snap peas

Snap peas thrive best in the warm spring months. As with most climbing plants, you’ll need to use a strong trellis so that the tendrils can flourish well. You can start harvesting snap peas in about two months. Add them to salads, soups and stews for a sweet burst of flavor.

Spinach

Spinach provides several heart-healthy nutrients like potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Its high vitamin A content also protects against bad vision. Unlike the other vegetables on this list, spinach requires more nutrients than the average plant. As long as it gets enough nutrients, you can harvest spinach leaves in as little as four to six weeks.

Bush beans

Bush beans are warm-season vegetables. Unlike snap peas and other bean varieties, these plants are not prone to climbing. That said, bush beans do require regular harvesting to maintain plant health. When planted in well-drained soil, bush beans should take just a month and a half to mature.

Carrots

Carrot is an excellent source of vitamin A, and it also boasts tons of antioxidants that help enhance overall health. Most carrot varieties can take up to 75 days to mature. But you can harvest the vegetables around the 50-day mark as tender, baby carrots.

Cucumber

Cucumbers make for light water-rich snacks. To grow cucumber, plant the seeds in loose, fertile soil. Water them often to keep the soil moist. Cucumber plants can take up to 70 days to grow, but the small pickling varieties can be harvested in just under two months.

It’s never too late to start a home garden. If you haven’t tried gardening before, don’t fret. There are tons of amazing fast-growing vegetables that are manageable even for beginner gardeners.

Read more articles about fast-growing vegetables and gardening tips at HomeGardeningNews.com.

Sources:

OffTheGridNews.com

GardeningKnowHow.com