1
Leaf Lettuce
Very EasyCut-and-come-again harvesting. Multiple harvests from one planting.
Days to harvest: 30-45
Top 10 List
10 Best Greens for Beginners
Fast-growing, forgiving, and delicious. These salad greens provide quick wins for new gardeners.
2
Spinach
EasyCool-weather favorite. Fast-growing and nutritious.
Days to harvest: 40-45
3
Arugula
Very EasyPeppery flavor, ready in under a month. Self-seeds readily.
Days to harvest: 25-40
4
Kale
Very EasyNearly indestructible. Gets sweeter after frost exposure.
Days to harvest: 55-65
5
Swiss Chard
EasyBeautiful rainbow stems. Heat-tolerant unlike most greens.
Days to harvest: 55-60
6
Mesclun Mix
EasyPre-mixed salad blends. Variety in one planting.
Days to harvest: 25-35
7
Microgreens
Very EasyHarvest in 1-2 weeks. Grow on windowsills year-round.
Days to harvest: 7-14
8
Romaine Lettuce
EasyClassic salad lettuce. Can harvest outer leaves or whole heads.
Days to harvest: 45-60
9
Pak Choi
EasyAsian green that's fast and versatile. Baby pak choi in 30 days.
Days to harvest: 30-45
10
Mustard Greens
Very EasySpicy greens ready fast. Heat-tolerant and vigorous.
Days to harvest: 25-40
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fastest green to grow?
Microgreens are ready in 7-14 days. For full-sized greens, arugula and mustard greens can be harvested in 25-30 days. Leaf lettuce is ready for baby leaves in 30 days.
Can I grow greens in shade?
Most greens tolerate partial shade (4-6 hours of sun). In fact, shade helps in hot weather by preventing bolting. Full shade won't work, but greens are more shade-tolerant than most vegetables.
Why do my greens bolt (go to seed)?
Greens bolt in hot weather or when stressed by irregular watering. Grow greens in spring and fall, provide afternoon shade in summer, and keep soil consistently moist to delay bolting.