Early-Maturing Vegetables for Short Growing Seasons

Choosing Fast Crops for Summer-Only Garden Access

For a teacher in North Central Iowa with summers off, select varieties that mature before Labor Day.

Seed Sources

Park Seed catalog lists days-to-harvest for all varieties. Look for early corn (48 days), Early Girl tomatoes, and naturally quick crops.

Quick Crops to Prioritize

• Lettuce, radishes, bush beans, beets (30-60 days).
• Avoid winter squash, melons (90-100 days).

Transplant Strategy

Start seeds indoors February/March for May transplanting. Harden off gradually. This gains weeks on the season.

Resource: Park Seed