When to Plant Watermelon in Rhode Island
In a typical Rhode Island location, start seeds indoors Mar 14 – Mar 21, then transplant outdoors Apr 25 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 21 in Newport and as late as May 15 in Narragansett.
Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.
Watermelon Planting Dates by City
| City | Start indoors | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| Providence | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Warwick | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Cranston | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Pawtucket | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 |
| East Providence | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Woonsocket | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Coventry | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Cumberland | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 |
| North Providence | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| South Kingstown | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 22 |
| West Warwick | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Johnston | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| North Kingstown | Mar 30 – Apr 6 | May 11 – May 18 |
| Newport | Mar 10 – Mar 17 | Apr 21 – Apr 28 |
| Bristol | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Smithfield | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Lincoln | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Central Falls | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Westerly | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Portsmouth | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Middletown | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Barrington | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Narragansett | Apr 3 – Apr 10 | May 15 – May 22 |
| East Greenwich | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Newport East | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| Valley Falls | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 |
| Warren | Mar 14 – Mar 21 | Apr 25 – May 2 |
| North Smithfield | Mar 25 – Apr 1 | May 6 – May 13 |
| North Scituate | Mar 28 – Apr 4 | May 9 – May 16 |
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 watermelon in Rhode Island?
In a typical Rhode Island location, start seeds indoors Mar 14 – Mar 21, then transplant outdoors Apr 25 – May 2. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 21 in Newport and as late as May 15 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 watermelon take to grow?
Watermelon typically take 70–90 days from planting to harvest. Needs warm soil (65F+); start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost, transplant 2-3 weeks after last frost.
Other Crops in Rhode Island
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkins
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant watermelon in other states