When to Plant Tomatillo in Nueces County, TX
Your May gardening checklist
Your garden in Nueces County, Texas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Pick tomatillo
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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.
Nueces County, Texas is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 10 and the first fall frost is December 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 303 days.
At an elevation of 1,586 feet, Nueces County receives approximately 53.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Tomatillo may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatillo root diseases.
Nueces County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.8
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 Nueces County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.8) is more alkaline than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Nueces County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 16 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.8" | 1.6" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.8" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.8" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.8" | 8.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.1" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 1.7" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.8" | 1.3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Nueces 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 — Nueces County, TX
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 30 | Dec 30 – Jan 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Direct Sow | February 10 | Feb 10 – Mar 3 |
| Harvest | April 21 | Apr 21 – Jun 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
303 days in Nueces County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Nueces County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after February 10 in Nueces 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 Nueces County, TX?
Nueces County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of February 10. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nueces County, TX?
Nueces County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is February 10 and first fall frost is December 10.
Your Nueces County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Nueces County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.