When to Plant Tomatillo in Rawlins County, KS
This month in Rawlins County, Kansas
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Rawlins County, Kansas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Time to transplant tomatillo
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
-
Sow tomatillo where they'll grow
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- Starting indoors: tomatillo
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Rawlins County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 162 days.
At an elevation of 795 feet, Rawlins County receives approximately 34.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Rawlins County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Rawlins County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rawlins County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 17 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 3.1" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 2.6" | 2.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.1" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Rawlins 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 — Rawlins County, KS
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
162 days in Rawlins County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Rawlins County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after May 01 in Rawlins 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 Rawlins County, KS?
Rawlins County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rawlins County, KS?
Rawlins County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 10.
Your Rawlins County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Rawlins County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.