Rhode Island Planting Guide & Growing Season
Rhode Island is in USDA hardiness zone 6a-7a with a growing season of 180 days. The average last spring frost is Apr 20 and the average first fall frost is Oct 15.
Growing Conditions in Rhode Island
How Rhode Island Compares
Compare Rhode Island's growing conditions with states that have similar climates.
| State | USDA Zone | Last Frost | First Frost | Season (days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (RI) | 6a-7a | Apr 20 | Oct 15 | 180 |
| Alabama (AL) | 7a-8b | Mar 15 | Nov 5 | 235 |
| Alaska (AK) | 1a-7b | May 30 | Sep 5 | 100 |
| Arizona (AZ) | 4b-10b | Mar 1 | Nov 15 | 260 |
| Arkansas (AR) | 6b-8a | Apr 1 | Oct 25 | 210 |
| California (CA) | 4b-11a | Feb 15 | Nov 30 | 290 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Rhode Island
When should I start seeds indoors in Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, the average last frost date is Apr 20. Start most seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before this date. The USDA hardiness zone for Rhode Island is 6a-7a, with a growing season of approximately 180 days.
What USDA hardiness zone is Rhode Island?
Rhode Island falls in USDA hardiness zones 6a-7a. This affects which perennial plants will survive winter and influences optimal planting times.
When is the first frost in Rhode Island?
The average first frost date in Rhode Island is Oct 15. Plan to harvest cold-sensitive crops before this date or protect them with row covers.
How long is the growing season in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has an average growing season of 180 days, from the last frost (Apr 20) to first frost (Oct 15). This moderate season works well for most common vegetables.
Plan Your Garden
Use our seed starting calculator to get personalized planting dates, or browse all states.