Frost Dates for Providence, RI 02905
Providence has 9 ZIP codes. The Providence, RI frost page lists all of them with their dates.
Last spring frost April 20 · First fall frost October 22 · 185 frost-free days · USDA Zone 7a
Frost probability for 02905
| Frost | 10% | 50% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (last frost) | May 6 | April 20 | April 4 |
| Fall (first frost) | October 7 | October 22 | November 6 |
Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (32.8 km away); the 50% date is the median year.
Month by month in Providence
| Month | What to do |
|---|---|
| January | Plan your garden layout and order seeds. Research varieties suited to your frost dates. |
| February | Start peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around April 20). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost. |
| March | Start herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable. |
| April | Last frost around April 20. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings. |
| May | Frost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini. |
| June | Succession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently. |
| July | Harvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease. |
| August | Midsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall. |
| September | First fall frost approaching (around October 22). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes. |
| October | First frost around October 22. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season. |
| November | Harvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year. |
| December | Clean up spent plants. Add compost to beds. Rest, review, and plan next year's garden. |
What grows in a 185-day season
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last frost date for Providence, RI (ZIP 02905)?
The median last spring frost date for Providence, RI (ZIP code 02905) is around April 20. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.
What is the first fall frost date in Providence, RI?
The median first fall frost date for Providence, RI is around October 22. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.
How long is the growing season in Providence, RI?
The frost-free growing season in Providence is about 185 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.
What USDA hardiness zone is Providence, RI?
Based on frost date patterns, Providence falls approximately in 7a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.
When should I start tomatoes indoors in Providence, RI?
Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around April 20). For Providence, that's roughly February 24 to March 9. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.
Nearby and related
- Frost dates for East Providence, RI 02914 (2.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Riverside, RI 02915 (2.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Providence, RI 02909 (3.4 mi)
- Frost dates for Cranston, RI 02920 (3.7 mi)
- Frost dates for Barrington, RI 02806 (5.3 mi)
- When to plant in Providence, RI: month-by-month guide
- When to plant in RI
- When to plant Peppers in RI
- When to plant Cucumbers in RI
- When to plant Zucchini in RI
- When to plant Butternut Squash in RI
- When to plant Basil in RI
- When to plant Sweet Corn in RI
- Look up another ZIP