When to Plant Tomatillo in Lawrence County, PA
May in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania — your action list
Each item below is timed to Lawrence County, Pennsylvania's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Move tomatillo from tray to bed
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Scatter tomatillo into prepared beds
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 167 days.
At an elevation of 441 feet, Lawrence County receives approximately 43.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Lawrence County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.8
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 Lawrence County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.8) is more acidic than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lawrence County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 25 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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 4.6" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lawrence 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 — Lawrence County, PA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | July 20 | Jul 20 – Sep 28 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
167 days in Lawrence County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Lawrence County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after May 04 in Lawrence 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 Lawrence County, PA?
Lawrence County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lawrence County, PA?
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Lawrence County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lawrence 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.