When to Plant Tomatillo in Lafourche Parish, LA
Your May game plan for Lafourche Parish, Louisiana
Your Lafourche Parish, Louisiana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Pick tomatillo
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Lafourche Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 27 and the first fall frost is December 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 306 feet, Lafourche Parish receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Tomatillo may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Tomatillo will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatillo root diseases.
Lafourche Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
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 Lafourche Parish
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Lafourche Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Tomatillo will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tomatillo.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 24 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 | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 4.8" | 4.5" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.8" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.8" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.4" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 3.5" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Lafourche Parish). 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 — Lafourche Parish, LA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 16 | Dec 16 – Dec 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 17 |
| Direct Sow | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 17 |
| Harvest | April 7 | Apr 7 – Jun 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
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_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
325 days in Lafourche Parish
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Lafourche Parish
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after January 27 in Lafourche Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Lafourche Parish dries quickly — mulch Tomatillo with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Lafourche Parish, provide afternoon shade for Tomatillo and water deeply in the morning.
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
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Tomatillo in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo in Lafourche Parish, LA?
Lafourche Parish is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 27. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lafourche Parish, LA?
Lafourche Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 27 and first fall frost is December 18.
Your Lafourche Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lafourche Parish (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.