When to Plant Tomatillo in Irion County, TX
Your May planting checklist for Irion County, Texas
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: tomatillo
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
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.
Irion County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 220 days.
At an elevation of 1,818 feet, Irion County receives approximately 51.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100°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.
Irion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.6-8.6
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 Irion County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.6–8.6) is more alkaline than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Irion County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Tomatillo will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 14 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 1.8" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.8" | 1.4" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 1.7" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.8" | 4.5" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 2.8" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Irion 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 — Irion County, TX
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
220 days in Irion County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Irion County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after April 01 in Irion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Irion County 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 100°F in Irion County, 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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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Tomatillo in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo in Irion County, TX?
Irion County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 1. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Irion County, TX?
Irion County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 1 and first fall frost is November 7.
Your Irion County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Irion County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.