PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Providence, Rhode Island

March 14 – March 28

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Providence year

Climate basis: NOAA station Providence T F Green AP, RI (USW00014765), 7 mi (11 km) from downtown Providence (ZCTA 02903 centroid), elevation 60 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow mustard greens from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 11). One year in ten still freezes after April 23.

Last spring freezeApril 111-in-10 after Apr 23
First fall freezeOctober 301-in-10 before Oct 16
Frost-free season≈ 199 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 1 – Nov 9kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7a0 to 5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Providence year

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 14 – Mar 28
Fall plantingSep 4 – Oct 2
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 23
Mustard greens in Providence · freeze context from Providence T F Green AP, RI, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 14 – Mar 28

Purdue lists mustard under both hardy (4–6 weeks before the last frost) and semi-hardy (2–4 weeks before); the later semi-hardy start is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 11). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 4 – Oct 2

Purdue Table 2: plant fall mustard greens at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Oct 30). Purdue University Extension

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (1)

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