When Is The Last Frost Before Spring Gardening Can Start In RI?

RHODE ISLAND — One of the big questions before Rhode Island gardeners eager to start digging in the dirt is: When is the danger of frost over, making it safe to put plants in the ground?

Gardeners can continue sharpening their tools in many parts of the country, according to a map from The Old Farmer’s Almanac. In Rhode Island, planting season is almost here, but it be best to wait at least a little

The publication also has a handy tool to find the average date of the last frost by city and state, right down to the ZIP code. In Rhode Island, that usually ranges from around April 22 to April 27.

This isn’t a fail-safe date. It’s based on historical climate data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information, and the probability of a frost after the average date is about 30 percent.

The publication, which has advised readers how and when to grow things since 1792, also has a 2024 planting guide calculator that allows Rhode Island gardeners to narrow down when they should put different vegetables in the ground.

Some plants to start with in Rhode Island are arugula, beets, carrots, chives, cilantro, onions, parsnips, peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach and more.

Another good resource for gardeners is the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension The scientists and specialists experience the same gardening challenges when it comes to weather conditions and pest management, and can provide geographically specific advice to plant what food crops.

Interest in growing their own food was increasing among Americans before the COVID-19 pandemic, but one analysis of Census Bureau and gardening industry sales data found an estimated 18.3 million people, most of them millennials, became first-time gardeners during the pandemic. Another survey suggests new gardeners are here to stay.

Some of those new and existing gardeners grew their vegetables in containers placed in sunny locations on decks, balconies and other open-air spaces. Almost anything that grows in the ground can be put in a pot.

The same frost dates apply. Some plants, like asparagus, can live and produce for 20 years, according to Harvest to Table, which offers practical guides to gardening no matter the setting.

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