Blog

When to plant Tomatillo in Lonoke County, AR

Tomatillo planted in Lonoke County between March 29 and April 19 matures in 60–85 days — well before the November 5 first frost.

When to Plant Tomatillo in Lonoke County, AR

Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.

Lonoke County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 1,126 feet, Lonoke County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.

Lonoke County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 5

Lonoke County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatillo

Tomatillo needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Tomatillo Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lonoke County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Lonoke County, AR

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Transplant Outdoors April 5 Apr 5 – Apr 19
Direct Sow March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 19
Harvest June 7 Jun 7 – Aug 16

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

60–85 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

228 days in Lonoke County

Growing Tips for Lonoke County

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

  • Fennel
  • Dill

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tomatillo in Lonoke County, AR?

Lonoke County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lonoke County, AR?

Lonoke County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 5.

When should I plant Tomatillo in Lonoke County, AR?

In Lonoke County, AR, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lonoke County, AR for Tomatillo?

Lonoke 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 Lonoke County's climate?

Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Lonoke County's temperate climate. Lonoke County averages a 228-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 5.

🌱

Your Lonoke County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lonoke 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Lonoke County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.