When to Plant Tomatillo in Van Buren County, TN
Van Buren County, Tennessee gardeners: here's your May plan
Here's what deserves your attention in Van Buren County, Tennessee this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Indoor seed-starting week for tomatillo
These need a head start before your last frost (April 9). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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.
Van Buren County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 3,238 feet, Van Buren County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatillo root diseases.
Van Buren County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
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 Van Buren County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.7) overlaps with Tomatillo's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Van Buren County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 03 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Van Buren 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 — Van Buren County, TN
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Sep 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Van Buren County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Van Buren County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after April 09 in Van Buren 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 Van Buren County, TN?
Van Buren County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Van Buren County, TN?
Van Buren County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 27.
Your Van Buren County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Van Buren 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.