PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant turnips 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 turnips 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
Turnips 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: hardy — 4–6 weeks before the last frost; Penn State's earliest sowing Apr 3 (−28 days) is the later start and is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Apr 11). Penn State Extension (York County Master Gardeners) · Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Sep 4 – Oct 2

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

Variety assumption: Assumes an average variety (about 45–60 days; Penn State lists 55).

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 (2)

Keep exploring

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Local overview