When to plant watermelon in Rhode Island

Watermelon
Plant out in Providence
Apr 25–May 9

Across Rhode Island the window opens between April 21 and May 6. Find your city below; the dates follow each town's own average last frost.

Start indoors, Providence
Mar 14–Mar 21
Plant out, Providence
Apr 25–May 9
Sow outdoors, Providence
Apr 25–May 9
Last sowing for a harvest
Jul 8
Last frost, Providence
Apr 11

Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost; plant out 2–4 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 2–4 weeks after the last frost. In short-season areas, start seedlings indoors and pick an early variety.

Watermelon planting dates by city

Start indoorsPlant outSow outdoorsFall plantingAverage last and first frost
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
ProvidenceApr 25–May 9
CranstonApr 25–May 9
WarwickApr 25–May 9
PawtucketMay 6–May 20
East ProvidenceApr 25–May 9
WoonsocketMay 6–May 20
NewportApr 21–May 5
Central FallsMay 6–May 20

Questions

When should I plant watermelon in Rhode Island?

In Providence, plant out from April 25 to May 9. Across Rhode Island the window opens between April 21 and May 6, depending on the local last frost.

How is this date worked out?

Start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost; plant out 2–4 weeks after the last frost; sow outdoors 2–4 weeks after the last frost. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 averages for the weather station nearest each city.

More for Rhode Island

Watermelon in other states

Frost dates for every city in Rhode Island