5 Fast-Growing Veggies to Plant in Alberta in August

Last-minute garden? No problem—here’s what to grow now for a delicious fall harvest.

Originally posted July 31, 2024, Updated July 27, 2025.

Didn’t get around to planting a garden this year? Feeling the back-to-school rush already? Don’t worry, August gardening in Alberta is not too late!

In fact, some vegetables thrive in cooler fall temperatures, making August the perfect time to sneak in a few fast-growing, frost-tolerant crops.

Here are 5 quick-growing vegetables that are perfect for Alberta gardens in August:

1. Spinach

Spinach is one of the best cool-season crops. It grows quickly and is ready to harvest in just 4–6 weeks. Bonus: it can handle chilly nights like a pro.

Planting Tip: Choose a partly shaded spot if you’re still experiencing hot afternoons.

2. Radishes

One of the fastest vegetables to grow, radishes can be ready to harvest in just 3–4 weeks.

Planting Tip: Sow seeds directly into the soil and keep the area moist. Great for raised beds and containers.

3. Lettuce

Many varieties of lettuce (like romaine, butterhead, and leaf) thrive in Alberta’s cool late-summer weather. Lettuce is also frost-tolerant and can mature in 4–6 weeks.

Planting Tip: Try succession planting every 10 days for a steady supply!

4. Kale

Kale loves the cold! It’s incredibly hardy and can even taste sweeter after a light frost. It takes about 55 days to mature, but you can begin harvesting younger leaves earlier.

Planting Tip: Massage kale with olive oil for a kid-friendly texture or bake into chips!

5. Arugula

Peppery and fast-growing, arugula thrives in cold weather and can be harvested in 30–40 days.

Planting Tip: Use it in salads or on top of pizzas and pasta for a flavorful boost!

You may have spent your summer soaking up some much-needed rest, but that doesn’t mean you can’t jumpstart a small garden now and still enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables this fall.

Whether you're growing in a backyard, a school plot, or even containers, these cold-weather crops make it easy to reconnect with the earth before winter rolls in.

Happy gardening!