When to Plant Tomatoes in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, the time to transplant tomatoes outside runs from Apr 14 – Apr 28 in Newport to Apr 29 – May 13 in Pawtucket. In Providence, it's Apr 18 – May 2. The average last spring frost differs by about 2 weeks across the state (Apr 7 in Newport, Apr 22 in Pawtucket), so use the dates for the town nearest you.
Tomatoes are killed by frost and sulk in cold soil. Wait until nights stay above 50°F, usually one to three weeks after the average last frost.
- Start indoors: 6–8 weeks before the last frost.
- Transplant outside: 1–3 weeks after the last frost.
Tomatoes planting dates in Rhode Island by city
| City | Zone | Start indoors | Transplant outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Falls | 7a | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Cranston | 7a | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| East Providence | 7a | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Newport | 7a | Feb 10 – Feb 24 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Pawtucket | 7a | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Providence | 7a | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Warwick | 7a | Feb 14 – Feb 28 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Woonsocket | 6b | Feb 25 – Mar 11 | Apr 29 – May 13 |
Calculated from each town's average (50%) frost dates, from the nearest NOAA station (1991–2020). Typical dates for the 2027 planting season, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 averages. They are long-term odds, not a forecast: always check your local forecast before planting. Zones: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (USDA-ARS and Oregon State University). Not the official map; see planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
See all frost dates in Rhode Island, or the general guide to when to plant tomatoes.
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