When to Plant Tomatillo in Macoupin County, IL
Macoupin County, Illinois gardeners: here's your May plan
May is a pivotal month for Macoupin County, Illinois gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
Get ahead of June
- Starting indoors: tomatillo
- 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.
Macoupin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 859 feet, Macoupin County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Macoupin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Macoupin County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.2) overlaps with Tomatillo's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Macoupin County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — Tomatillo will thrive.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 2.7" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 3.8" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 3" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 2.7" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 2.1" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Macoupin 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 — Macoupin County, IL
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Sep 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Macoupin County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Macoupin County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after April 11 in Macoupin 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 Macoupin County, IL?
Macoupin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Macoupin County, IL?
Macoupin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 21.
Your Macoupin County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Macoupin County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.