When to plant Tomatillo in Dougherty County County,
Dougherty County County gardeners should plant Tomatillo between March 7 and March 28 in spring. With Dougherty County County's Zone 9a climate (last frost March 7), Tomatillo needs 85 days to mature — plant by August 25 for a full harvest.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Dougherty County, GA
June to-do list for Dougherty County, Georgia
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Dougherty County, Georgia this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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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.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- 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.
Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 269 feet, Dougherty County receives approximately 54.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°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.
Dougherty County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
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 Dougherty County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.2) is more acidic than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Dougherty County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tomatillo.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.8" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.8" | 4.5" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.8" | 4.4" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 4.6" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.7" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 3.7" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Dougherty 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 — Dougherty County, GA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 24 | Jan 24 – Feb 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 28 |
| Harvest | May 16 | May 16 – Jul 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Dougherty County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Dougherty County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after March 07 in Dougherty County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Dougherty County's clay soil (29% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Tomatillo. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Dougherty County, provide afternoon shade for Tomatillo and water deeply in the morning.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tomatillo in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo in Dougherty County, GA?
Dougherty County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dougherty County, GA?
Dougherty County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Dougherty County, ?
In Dougherty County, , plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dougherty County, for Tomatillo?
Dougherty County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Tomatillo grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatillo grow in Dougherty County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Dougherty County's temperate climate. Dougherty County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.
Your Dougherty County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dougherty County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.