When to plant Tomatillo in Cleburne County County,
Cleburne County County's spring Tomatillo window runs April 8 through April 29. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Cleburne County, AL
What to do in June
Each item below is timed to Cleburne County, Alabama's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Collect tomatillo at their peak
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: tomatillo
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Cleburne County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.
At an elevation of 207 feet, Cleburne County receives approximately 57.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Tomatillo, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatillo root diseases.
Cleburne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Tomatillo Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Cleburne County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Tomatillo's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Cleburne County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
Tomatillo Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatillo
Tomatillo needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tomatillo Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 6.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.8" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.8" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 4.4" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Cleburne County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tomatillo Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Cleburne County, AL
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
214 days in Cleburne County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Cleburne County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after April 01 in Cleburne County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Cleburne County's clay soil (26% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Tomatillo. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Tomatillo in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Plant at least two plants for cross-pollination. Harvest when fruits fill the husk and it begins to split.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tomatillo in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo in Cleburne County, AL?
Cleburne County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cleburne County, AL?
Cleburne County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 1.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Cleburne County, ?
In Cleburne County, , plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around April 1) and before the first frost (around November 1). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cleburne County, for Tomatillo?
Cleburne County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Tomatillo grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatillo grow in Cleburne County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Cleburne County's temperate climate. Cleburne County averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 1 and first frost around November 1.
Your Cleburne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cleburne County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.