Planting calendar for Rhode Island
Short answer
Most of Rhode Island is in climate zone 5, with an average last spring frost around Apr 15 and first fall frost around Oct 25. Plant hardy crops before the last frost, tender crops after. Enter your ZIP for dates tuned to your exact area.
Last spring frost
Apr 15
First fall frost
Oct 25
Climate zone(s)
5
| Crop | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peas | — | Mar 11 | May 10 |
| Spinach | — | Mar 11 | Apr 25 |
| Radishes | — | Mar 18 | Apr 15 |
| Kale | Mar 11 | Mar 18 | May 12 |
| Onions | Feb 4 | Mar 18 | Jun 26 |
| Lettuce | Mar 18 | Mar 25 | May 14 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 25 | Jun 3 |
| Beets | — | Mar 25 | May 19 |
| Broccoli | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Jun 5 |
| Cabbage | Mar 4 | Apr 1 | Jun 10 |
| Potatoes | — | Apr 1 | Jun 30 |
| Cilantro | — | Apr 1 | May 16 |
| Zucchini / squash | Mar 25 | Apr 22 | Jun 11 |
| Green beans | — | Apr 22 | Jun 16 |
| Sweet corn | — | Apr 22 | Jul 6 |
| Tomatoes | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | Jul 13 |
| Peppers | Feb 18 | Apr 29 | Jul 18 |
| Cucumbers | Mar 25 | Apr 29 | Jun 23 |
| Pumpkins | Apr 1 | Apr 29 | Aug 17 |
| Basil | Mar 4 | Apr 29 | Jun 28 |
Dates use zone 5 (most of Rhode Island); colder areas run later. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Rhode Island?
Most of Rhode Island (zone 5) averages its last spring frost around Apr 15 and first fall frost around Oct 25. Colder parts of the state run later in spring.
When should I plant tomatoes in Rhode Island?
Set tomato transplants out around Apr 29 in most of Rhode Island — a couple of weeks after the last frost. Start seeds indoors about Mar 4.
What is the growing season in Rhode Island?
Roughly Oct 25 minus Apr 15 for zone 5. Cool-season crops extend it on both ends; enter your ZIP for your exact dates.