Root Vegetable

When to Plant Turnips in Rhode Island

A fast-growing, cold-hardy root crop that's underappreciated. Both the root and the greens are delicious.

The Short Answer

In Rhode Island, soil conditions are an important factor for turnips. Rocky, acidic New England soils. Sandy near coast. Glacial deposits throughout. Amendment needed for most vegetable gardening. Direct sow 3 weeks before your last frost date. Turnips can also be planted in fall, 8 weeks before your first frost.

Rhode Island Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Rhode Island you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region	Zones	Last Frost (Spring)	First Frost (Fall)
Rhode Island	6a, 6b, 7a	Apr 15 - May 5	Oct 5 - Oct 25

Turnips Planting Schedule for Rhode Island

Rhode Island (Zones 6a, 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 15 - May 5 · Average first frost: Oct 5 - Oct 25

Direct Sow

3 wks before frost

Fall Planting

8 wks before first frost

Growing Turnips in Rhode Island

Turnips in Rhode Island's Climate

Turnips fill the cool-season gaps beautifully. Spring and fall plantings both work well. Fall turnips taste noticeably sweeter after frost exposure. Quick maturity (35-60 days) makes them excellent for succession planting and filling gaps between main crops.

Soil Considerations for Rhode Island

Rocky, acidic New England soils. Sandy near coast. Glacial deposits throughout. Amendment needed for most vegetable gardening. Loose, well-drained soil is especially important for turnips since the edible portion grows underground. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds.

Rhode Island Climate & Growing Season

Maritime climate moderates temperatures. Four seasons. Moderate growing season. Ocean influence reduces frost risk near coast. Turnips can handle frost well, which is an advantage in Rhode Island's climate. You can push planting dates earlier in spring and extend into fall.

Growing Tips

Great for spring and fall planting. Harvest small for tender roots. Fall-planted turnips taste sweeter after a frost.

Companion Planting

Plant turnips alongside these companions for better growth:

Peas Onions

The Bottom Line

Turnips can be grown successfully across Rhode Island, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Rhode Island gardeners should plan around a Apr 15 - May 5 last frost, while those in Rhode Island can typically plant later. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026