Rhode Island growing guide: zones, planting dates and where to start
How Rhode Island zones change planting dates, with spring dates for its main growing region.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
Zones across Rhode Island
Rhode Island covers USDA Zones 6b–7a on our calendar. A date that works in one part of the state can be weeks off in another, so plant by your zone, not the state.
- Zone 6b — Providence and inland Rhode Island. Average last frost 04/24, first frost 10/08 (about 167 frost-free days).
- Zone 7a — Newport and the Narragansett Bay shore. Average last frost 04/15, first frost 10/15 (about 183 frost-free days).
Spring dates for Providence and the Narragansett Bay shore (Zone 6b)
- Tomatoes: set out May 1 – May 22; fall June 25 – July 16
- Peppers: set out May 8 – May 29; fall July 9 – July 30
- Sweet corn: seed April 24 – May 15; fall July 9 – July 30
- Cucumbers: set out May 1 – May 22; fall July 23 – August 13
- Summer squash: seed May 1 – May 22; fall July 30 – August 20
- Green beans (bush): seed April 24 – May 15; fall July 23 – August 13
- Cabbage: set out March 27 – April 17; fall June 25 – July 16
- Broccoli: set out March 27 – April 17; fall June 25 – July 16
These are averages worked out from frost dates, not a state extension schedule. Adjust for your field and the season.
Where to sell in Rhode Island
- State buy-local program: the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Agriculture runs the state's farm marketing programs. Members can be listed for grocery, restaurant and school buyers looking for in-state product — ask about joining and any marketing directories.
- Established market: Farm Fresh Rhode Island markets and wholesale food hub (Providence). Visit on a market morning and talk to the produce dealers before you plant, not after harvest.
- Farmers markets, CSAs and on-farm stands: the USDA Local Food Directories list them by state, so you can see who already sells near you and which markets still need your crop.
- Schools and institutions: ask your state's farm-to-school contact (usually through the agriculture or education department) what they buy and when.
- Buyers on BAU: buyers post what they need on the marketplace, and you can list your crop window there for free.
Call before you count on any buyer: programs and market hours change, and a price talked through in winter is worth more than one found at harvest.
Farm taxes in Rhode Island
- Income tax: Graduated state income tax.
- Sales tax on inputs: Farm inputs and equipment are exempt with a farmer tax-exemption certificate from the Division of Taxation.
- Farmland property tax: Farm, Forest and Open Space Act: farmland is assessed at its current use value.
Rates and forms change. Confirm with the state revenue department or a farm tax preparer before you file — this is a plain-language guide, not tax advice. Our farm tax estimator covers the federal deductions every state shares.
Grants and cost-share in Rhode Island
- Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grants
- Specialty Crop Block Grant (Division of Agriculture)
- USDA NRCS EQIP cost-share and FSA microloans through your county USDA service center
- Northeast SARE farmer and rancher grants for on-farm trials
See the grant tracker for deadlines we follow.
Who to call
- URI Cooperative Extension — county offices for soil tests, varieties and pest help
- Your county USDA service center (FSA and NRCS) for loans, cost-share and farm numbers