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When to Plant Tomatillo in Dodge County, GA

Dodge County, Georgia Zone 8b May

Top priorities for Dodge County, Georgia gardeners in May

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Dodge County, Georgia this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost March 9
Avg. first frost November 15
Soil temp (4") 74°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.6 hrs
  1. Basket week: tomatillo

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
  • First harvests: tomatillo

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

Dodge County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.

At an elevation of 50 feet, Dodge County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Tomatillo may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.

Dodge County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
251 days
Last Spring Frost March 9
251 growing days
First Fall Frost November 15
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Dodge County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.7

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 4.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Dodge County, GA

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 19 Jan 19 – Feb 2
Transplant Outdoors March 23 Mar 23 – Apr 6
Direct Sow March 16 Mar 16 – Apr 6
Harvest May 25 May 25 – Aug 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December
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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 8b

📆 Growing Season

251 days in Dodge County

Growing Tips for Dodge 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 Dodge County, GA?

Dodge County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Dodge County, GA?

Dodge County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 15.

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Your Dodge County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Dodge County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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