kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in Rhode Island

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMarch 1 – April 1
Transplant OutdoorsApril 15 – May 15
Fall PlantingDirect Sow OutdoorsAugust 1 – September 1

Planting Conditions

Rhode Island has a humid continental climate, with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 6a to 7a. These conditions are well-suited for growing cool-season crops like kale, especially during the spring and fall.

Plant kale outdoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring, and 6-8 weeks before the first frost in fall.

Average Last Frost Dates for Rhode Island’s Largest Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
ProvidenceApril 20
WarwickApril 20
CranstonApril 20
PawtucketApril 20
East ProvidenceApril 20
WoonsocketApril 25
CoventryApril 25
CumberlandApril 25
North ProvidenceApril 20
South KingstownApril 25

Average First Frost Dates for Rhode Island’s Largest Cities

CityAverage First Frost Date
ProvidenceOctober 20
WarwickOctober 20
CranstonOctober 20
PawtucketOctober 20
East ProvidenceOctober 20
WoonsocketOctober 15
CoventryOctober 15
CumberlandOctober 15
North ProvidenceOctober 20
South KingstownOctober 15

Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year.

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Useful Tools for Starting Kale Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your kale the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
Seeds Image
Browse Kale Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
Planting Trays Image
Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Grow Lights Image
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
Seed Starting Soil Image
Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Garden Tools and Fertilizer

Garden Trowel

A garden trowel is a handy tool that makes transplanting your seedlings easier and more precise, ensuring that each plant is placed at the right depth without damaging the roots.
Garden Trowel Image
Shop Garden Trowels on Amazon

Soil and Fertilizer

Fertilizer is essential for enhancing growth, especially if your soil is nutrient-poor. By enriching the soil, you give your kale plants the nutrients they need to grow robust and produce a bountiful harvest.
Fertilizer Image
Explore Fertilizer on Amazon

Other planting guides for Rhode Island:

Any questions on growing kale? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Kale

Starting Kale Indoors

In areas like Providence (Zone 6b), start kale seeds indoors from March 1 to April 1. This ensures seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting from mid-April to mid-May, after the last frost.

Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors from April 15 to May 15, ensuring soil temperatures are consistently above 45°F. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows at least 18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and sunlight exposure.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering:

  • Keep the soil evenly moist with regular deep watering, especially during warmer days in Rhode Island.
  • Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.

Fertilizing:

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the leaves begin to develop. Adding compost before planting helps improve soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management:

  • Watch out for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Rhode Island’s humid climate can also encourage fungal diseases, so regular monitoring is important.
  • Use organic or integrated pest management practices to keep your kale plants healthy.

Harvesting Kale:

  • Pick the leaves when they’re large enough to eat but still tender. Regular harvesting promotes new growth and can extend the harvesting season, especially in Rhode Island’s favorable growing conditions.
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