When to plant Tomatillo in Hempstead County, AR
In Hempstead County, plant Tomatillo in spring between March 28 and April 18, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Hempstead County's last frost averages March 21, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 60–85 days before the first frost on November 12.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Hempstead County, AR
Top priorities for Hempstead County, Arkansas gardeners in July
Welcome to July in Zone 8a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Pick tomatillo
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Coming up in August — start thinking about
- 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.
Hempstead County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 236 days.
At an elevation of 1,302 feet, Hempstead County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Hempstead County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
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 Hempstead County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Tomatillo's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hempstead County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 19 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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.8" | 3.3" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 3.8" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 4.5" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hempstead 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 — Hempstead County, AR
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Aug 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
236 days in Hempstead County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Hempstead County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after March 21 in Hempstead County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Hempstead County, AR?
Hempstead County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hempstead County, AR?
Hempstead County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 12.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Hempstead County, AR?
In Hempstead County, AR, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around March 21) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hempstead County, AR for Tomatillo?
Hempstead 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 Hempstead County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Hempstead County's temperate climate. Hempstead County averages a 236-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 21 and first frost around November 12.
Your Hempstead County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hempstead 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.