When to Plant Potatoes in Rhode Island
In a typical Rhode Island location, sow outdoors Mar 14 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 10 in Newport and as late as Apr 3 in Narragansett.
Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.
Potatoes Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Providence | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Warwick | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Cranston | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Pawtucket | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| East Providence | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Woonsocket | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Coventry | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Cumberland | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| North Providence | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| South Kingstown | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| West Warwick | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Johnston | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| North Kingstown | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Newport | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Bristol | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Smithfield | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Lincoln | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Central Falls | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Westerly | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Portsmouth | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Middletown | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Barrington | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Narragansett | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| East Greenwich | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Newport East | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Valley Falls | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Warren | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| North Smithfield | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| North Scituate | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
Showing the 29 most populous of 29 Rhode Island cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Rhode Island cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant potatoes in Rhode Island?
In a typical Rhode Island location, sow outdoors Mar 14 – Mar 28. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Mar 10 in Newport and as late as Apr 3 in Narragansett.
When is the last frost in Rhode Island?
The average last spring frost in Rhode Island ranges from April 7 in Newport to May 1 in Narragansett, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do potatoes take to grow?
Potatoes typically take 70–120 days from planting to harvest. Plant seed potatoes 2-4 weeks before last frost, as soon as soil can be worked and is above 45F; light frost on emerging foliage is usually tolerated.
Other Crops in Rhode Island
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant potatoes in other states