When to Plant Tomatillo in Goshen County, WY
This month in Goshen County, Wyoming
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.
-
Set out tomatillo seedlings
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
-
Scatter tomatillo into prepared beds
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Goshen County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 5,820 feet, Goshen County receives approximately 15.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatillo to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Tomatillo successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Goshen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.4
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 Goshen County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–8.4) is more alkaline than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Goshen County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 06 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.8" | 1.6" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 1.1" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 1.3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 1.5" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 1.1" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Goshen 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 — Goshen County, WY
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 27 | May 27 – Jun 10 |
| Direct Sow | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 10 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Oct 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| 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 · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Goshen County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Goshen County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after May 13 in Goshen 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.
Goshen County receives only 16" of rain annually. Tomatillo needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Goshen County, WY?
Goshen County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Goshen County, WY?
Goshen County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is September 29.
Your Goshen County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Goshen County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.