When to plant Tomatillo in Lamar County, AL
Spring Tomatillo in Lamar County goes in March 30–April 20, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Lamar County, AL
Top priorities for Lamar County, Alabama gardeners in August
Your Lamar County, Alabama garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for August and why each task matters now.
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Bring in the tomatillo
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Lamar County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 69 feet, Lamar County receives approximately 62 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 88°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.
Lamar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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 Lamar County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.7) overlaps with Tomatillo's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Lamar County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.8" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.8" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.8" | 4.1" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 4.6" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lamar 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 — Lamar County, AL
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Aug 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Direct Sow |
| 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
228 days in Lamar County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Lamar County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after March 23 in Lamar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lamar County's clay soil (28% 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tomatillo in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo in Lamar County, AL?
Lamar County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lamar County, AL?
Lamar County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 6.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Lamar County, AL?
In Lamar County, AL, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lamar County, AL for Tomatillo?
Lamar 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 Lamar County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Lamar County's temperate climate. Lamar County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 6.
Your Lamar County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lamar 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.