When to Plant Tomatillo in Island County, WA
June in the garden — Island County, Washington
Your Island County, Washington garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Pick tomatillo
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Island County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 9 feet, Island County receives approximately 45.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Island County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Tomatillo 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 Island County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.7) overlaps with Tomatillo's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Island County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.3%) — Tomatillo will thrive.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 10 to harvest before frost.
Tomatillo 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 | — | 6.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.8" | 4.5" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.8" | 3.7" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 2.3" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 1.6" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 0.7" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 0.8" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 1.6" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 7.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Island 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 — Island County, WA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 24 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
218 days in Island County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Island County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after March 30 in Island 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 Island County, WA?
Island County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Island County, WA?
Island County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your Island County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Island County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.