When to Plant Tomatillo in Kingman County, KS
What to do in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in 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.
Kingman County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 746 feet, Kingman County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Kingman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
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 Kingman County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.6) is more alkaline than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Kingman County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Tomatillo will thrive.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 31 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 2.5" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 3.5" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 3" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 2.9" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 2.7" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 1.8" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 1.2" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Kingman 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 — Kingman County, KS
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Sep 8 |
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 | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
193 days in Kingman County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Kingman County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after April 14 in Kingman 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.
Kingman County receives only 21" of rain annually. Tomatillo needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Kingman County, KS?
Kingman County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kingman County, KS?
Kingman County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Kingman County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kingman County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.