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When to plant Tomatillo in McCracken County, KY

Plant Tomatillo in McCracken County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 6. Continue planting through April 27 for the spring crop.

When to Plant Tomatillo in McCracken County, KY

Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.

McCracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.

At an elevation of 1,445 feet, McCracken County receives approximately 48 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.

McCracken County, KY (Zone 7a) Long season
214 days
Last Spring Frost March 30
214 growing days
First Fall Frost October 30

McCracken County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.6

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 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in McCracken County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Tomatillo Planting Timeline — McCracken County, KY

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 – Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 27
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Aug 24

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

214 days in McCracken County

Growing Tips for McCracken 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

  • Fennel
  • Dill

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tomatillo in McCracken County, KY?

McCracken County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is McCracken County, KY?

McCracken County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 30.

When should I plant Tomatillo in McCracken County, KY?

In McCracken County, KY, plant Tomatillo after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around October 30). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is McCracken County, KY for Tomatillo?

McCracken County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Tomatillo grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Tomatillo grow in McCracken County's climate?

Yes — Tomatillo grows well in McCracken County's temperate climate. McCracken County averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around October 30.

🌱

Your McCracken County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for McCracken 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for McCracken County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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