Quick growing vegetables to grow in Winter

Have fast growing veggies for harvesting within several weeks. Here is a list of veggies to start your productive crop. 

Herbs – most herbs can be picked straight away after planting seedlings. For Winter growing herbs, plant chives, dill, parsley and chervil in all climatic zones. Rosemary, thyme and mint will also survive the Winter.

Lettuce – harvest within weeks. Harvest younger leaves for better taste and encourage more leafy growth. Grow any time of the year for all zones except the middle of Winter in cold zones. 

Dwarf Beans – pick young and often for a more productive crop and encourage flower production. Harvest in 4-6 weeks from seedlings. Can be sown during Winter in warmer zones.  For cooler climates grow in Spring and Summer or in a protected shade house during the colder months.

Spinach – easy to grow cool season crop, water regularly and in about 4-6 weeks, you’ll have fresh spinach. 

Arugula is a fast-growing cool-season salad green with a peppery taste. It is ready for harvest 30 to 40 days after sowing.

Baby carrots don’t take as long as full-sized carrots because they don’t have to grow to be as large and they can be grown in pots. Baby carrots are ready to harvest in 55 to 65 days after planting. Can be grown in tropical, sub-tropical, arid, Mediterranean and areas with light frosts all year round. For frost prone areas, plant in Spring and Summer.

Radishes are one of the fastest and simplest plants you can grow. They are ready to harvest in about four weeks from sowing. Can be grown all year round in most climatic zones. For tropical areas grow in the cooler months of the year. 

Bok Choy is a great super-grower because it can produce a mature harvest in around 30 days. Plant now in all climatic zones. 

Kale – You can pick baby greens from kale or mustard greens in only 25 days or wait for mature leaves in about 50-65 days. Suitable to be planted now in all climatic zones. 

Green onions take around 6 months to produce full-size onions. But you can get green onion stalks at around 3-4 weeks. Great for garnishing soups or added to stir-fries. Shallots – can be planted during Winter in all climatic zones. Harvest within 12 weeks or earlier if planted from seedlings. 

Snow Peas / Peas – Peas are best grown in cooler seasons. Being a climber, support their growth by installing a trellis before planting. Liquid feed with Potash to boost flower and pod production. Harvest in 9-11 weeks. Pick the pods every day to increase production.

Cherry tomatoes – buy advanced seedlings and have ruby red tomatoes within weeks. Can be grown all year round in the tropics, arid and frost free areas in subtropics. For colder areas plant in Spring.

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WATERING TIP FOR WINTER VEGETABLES

Remember to water your plants correctly – neither too much nor too little – will give them the best chance at producing well-formed, mature vegetables.

PLANTING VEGETABLES

Enrich your soil with 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser to provide nutrients for healthy plant growth. For quick and delicious results in pots, raised beds & gardens, plant veggie seedlings in Searles Herb & Vegetable Specialty Mix which will fuel veggie growth for up to 9 months.

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Broccoli

Broccoli loves the cold. Harvest broccoli when the head is still tight and compact. After harvesting the main head, a smaller pair of heads will sprout, so keep watering and fertilising.

Cabbage

Plant cabbage in full sun and in well drained soil. Before planting, dig plenty of 5 IN 1 Organic Fertiliser into the soil to feed these hungry cabbages. 

Cauliflower

Cauliflowers are best planted in late Autumn and early Winter to enable flowering heads or curds to ripen in cold weather. Plant them in full sun with good drainage and in nutrient rich deep soil to accommodate their extensive roots. Protect them from frosts. As the head grows, wrap the large outer leaves around it to protect it from the sun and prevent it from becoming discoloured. Cauliflower heads don’t like the wet, so water at the base of the plant if possible. Watch out for cabbage white caterpillars.

Brussels sprouts

Brussels spouts grow better in areas that receive frost in Winter. Drainage and sunlight are the prerequisites for successful growing.

Leeks

Plant in Autumn and Winter to ensure that the leeks grow during cold weather and mature as the temperature heats up. In colder climates leeks can also can planted in spring for a second harvest.