When to Plant Tomatillo in Pepin County, WI
Pepin County, Wisconsin gardeners: here's your May plan
Each item below is timed to Pepin County, Wisconsin's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Plant out tomatillo
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Seed tomatillo outdoors
Rake a smooth bed, make a shallow furrow, drop seeds at the spacing on the packet, water gently, walk away.
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Pepin County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 158 days.
At an elevation of 1,052 feet, Pepin County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatillo to ensure they mature before fall.
Pepin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
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 Pepin County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.1) overlaps with Tomatillo's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pepin County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Tomatillo will thrive.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.8" | 4.2" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 4.4" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 4.4" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 3.2" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.4" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Pepin 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 — Pepin County, WI
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Direct Sow | May 16 | May 16 – Jun 6 |
| Harvest | July 25 | Jul 25 – Oct 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
158 days in Pepin County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Pepin County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after May 02 in Pepin 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 Pepin County, WI?
Pepin County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pepin County, WI?
Pepin County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 7.
Your Pepin County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Pepin County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.