When to Plant Tomatillo in Sagadahoc County, ME
Top priorities for Sagadahoc County, Maine gardeners in May
Welcome to May in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Move tomatillo from tray to bed
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Plant tomatillo from seed, right in the garden
Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest. A single big planting means a single big glut.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- 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.
Sagadahoc County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 1,163 feet, Sagadahoc County receives approximately 43.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Sagadahoc County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
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 Sagadahoc County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.3) is more acidic than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sagadahoc County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 20 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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 3.1" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.3" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sagadahoc 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 — Sagadahoc County, ME
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Sep 23 |
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_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
167 days in Sagadahoc County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Sagadahoc County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after April 29 in Sagadahoc 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 Sagadahoc County, ME?
Sagadahoc County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sagadahoc County, ME?
Sagadahoc County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 13.
Your Sagadahoc County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sagadahoc County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.