Providence, RI Planting Calendar
The last spring frost in Providence usually comes around Apr 7 and the first fall frost around Nov 5, a growing season of about 212 days. Start tomatoes indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10 and plant them outside Apr 21 – May 5.
When to plant vegetables in Providence
| Vegetable | Start seeds indoors | Plant outside | Fall crop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Feb 24 – Mar 10 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — |
| Peppers | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — |
| Eggplant | Feb 17 – Mar 3 | Apr 28 – May 12 | — |
| Cucumbers | — | Apr 21 – May 5 | — |
| Zucchini & summer squash | — | Apr 21 – May 5 | — |
| Pumpkins & winter squash | — | Apr 28 – May 12 | — |
| Green beans | — | Apr 21 – May 5 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Sweet corn | — | Apr 21 – May 5 | — |
| Basil | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Apr 21 – May 5 | — |
| Lettuce | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Mar 10 – Apr 21 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
| Spinach | — | Feb 24 – Mar 17 | Sep 10 – Sep 24 |
| Peas | — | Feb 24 – Mar 17 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
| Carrots | — | Mar 10 – Apr 14 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Radishes | — | Mar 3 – Apr 21 | Sep 24 – Oct 8 |
| Broccoli | Jan 27 – Feb 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
| Kale | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 | Aug 27 – Sep 10 |
| Onions | — | Mar 10 – Mar 24 | — |
| Potatoes | — | Mar 17 – Apr 14 | — |
| Garlic | — | — | Oct 22 – Nov 26 |
Dates count from the median frost dates (2016–2025) for Providence. In a cold spring, wait a week; in a warm one you can go a week early.
Month-by-month planting in Providence
- JanuaryStart indoors: Broccoli
- FebruaryStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Broccoli, KalePlant outside: Spinach, Peas
- MarchStart indoors: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, BasilPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Broccoli, Kale, Onions, Potatoes
- AprilPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil, Lettuce, Carrots, Radishes, Potatoes
- MayPlant outside: Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Cucumbers, Zucchini & summer squash, Pumpkins & winter squash, Green beans, Sweet corn, Basil
- JunePlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
- JulyPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
- AugustPlant outside: Green beans, Peas, Carrots, Broccoli, Kale
- SeptemberPlant outside: Lettuce, Spinach, Peas, Radishes, Kale
- OctoberPlant outside: Radishes, Garlic
- NovemberPlant outside: Garlic
- DecemberPlan, order seeds and prepare beds.
Tools for this season
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Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Providence?
The median last spring frost is Apr 7 and the median first fall frost is Nov 5, based on 2016–2025 weather data.
When should I plant tomatoes in Providence?
Start seeds indoors Feb 24 – Mar 10 and set plants outside Apr 21 – May 5, once nights stay above 50°F.
When should I plant a fall garden in Providence?
Sow or transplant cool-season crops 6 to 12 weeks before the first fall frost (around Nov 5): broccoli and carrots first, lettuce, spinach and radishes last.