State growing guide
Rhode Island Planting Guide
USDA Zone 6b/7a · Last frost Apr 8 · First frost Oct 28 · 203 days
Zone-specific planting calendar, major city frost dates, top crops, and Duke's tips for growing food in Rhode Island.
Frost Dates by City — Rhode Island
Average frost dates for major Rhode Island cities. Use these to calculate your indoor start dates and transplant windows.
| City | USDA Zone | Last Spring Frost | First Fall Frost | Tomato Transplant Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | 6b | Apr 10 | Oct 28 | ~2 wks after (Apr 10) |
| Newport | 7a | Apr 1 | Nov 1 | ~2 wks after (Apr 1) |
| Warwick | 6b | Apr 10 | Oct 25 | ~2 wks after (Apr 10) |
Average dates based on 30-year NOAA climate normals. Individual years may vary ±2 weeks. Use the Zone Lookup Tool for ZIP-specific dates.
Duke's Top Tips for Rhode Island Gardeners
- Providence transplants tomatoes in early-to-mid May
- Newport (Zone 7a) benefits from ocean temperature moderation
Common Challenges in Rhode Island
- ⚠ Short growing season for a Northeast state
- ⚠ Sandy loam soil needs organic matter amendment
Best Crops for Rhode Island
Tomatoes Corn Kale Beans Squash Peas Beets Cucumbers
Get exact dates for your ZIP code in Rhode Island
City averages are a starting point. Your actual microclimate matters — enter your ZIP for precise frost dates.
Frequently Asked Questions — Rhode Island Gardening
What zone is Rhode Island?
Rhode Island is Zone 6a–7a. Providence is Zone 6b, and coastal Newport is Zone 7a.