When to Plant Tomatillo in Deschutes County, OR
May to-do list for Deschutes County, Oregon
Your Deschutes County, Oregon garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
Get ahead of June
- Transplants going out: tomatillo
- Direct-sowing: tomatillo
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Deschutes County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 15 and the first fall frost is September 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 90 days.
At an elevation of 221 feet, Deschutes County receives approximately 54.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatillo to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatillo root diseases.
Deschutes County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.2
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 Deschutes County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.2) is more acidic than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Deschutes County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Tomatillo will thrive.
How to Plant Tomatillo
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 | — | 7.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 6.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 4.8" | 2.5" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 1" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 1" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 2.2" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 7.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 9.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Deschutes 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 — Deschutes County, OR
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
| Direct Sow | June 22 | Jun 22 – Jul 13 |
| Harvest | August 31 | Aug 31 – Nov 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
90 days in Deschutes County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Deschutes County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after June 15 in Deschutes County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 90.0-day growing season in Deschutes County is tight for Tomatillo (60.0-85.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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 Deschutes County, OR?
Deschutes County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of June 15. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Deschutes County, OR?
Deschutes County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is June 15 and first fall frost is September 13.
Your Deschutes County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Deschutes County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.