When to plant Tomatillo in Lee County, GA
Plant Tomatillo in Lee County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 14. Continue planting through April 4 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Tomatillo in Lee County, GA
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. 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 432 feet, Lee County receives approximately 50.9 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.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Lee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Lee County, GA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 17 | Jan 17 – Jan 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Aug 1 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Lee 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tomatillo in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo in Lee County, GA?
Lee County is in Zone 8b 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 Lee County, GA?
Lee County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.
When should I plant Tomatillo in Lee County, GA?
In Lee County, GA, 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 Lee County, GA for Tomatillo?
Lee County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Tomatillo grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Tomatillo grow in Lee County's climate?
Yes — Tomatillo grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee 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.