When to plant Tomatillo in Madison County, AR
In Madison County, plant Tomatillo in spring between April 13 and May 4, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Madison County's last frost averages April 6, 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 October 29.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Madison County, AR
June to-do list for Madison County, Arkansas
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Start harvesting tomatillo
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Coming up in July — 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.
Madison County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 801 feet, Madison County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatillo root diseases.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
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 Madison County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.5) is more acidic than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Madison County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
Tomatillo Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 4.1" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 6.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 4.4" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.1" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Madison 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 — Madison County, AR
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
206 days in Madison County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Madison County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after April 06 in Madison 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 Madison County, AR?
Madison County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, AR?
Madison County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 29.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Madison County, AR?
In Madison County, AR, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Madison County, AR for Tomatillo?
Madison County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Tomatillo grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatillo grow in Madison County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Madison County's temperate climate. Madison County averages a 206-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 29.
Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Madison County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.