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When to Plant Tomatillo in Monroe County, AR

Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.

Monroe County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 1,042 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 49.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.

Monroe County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Monroe County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (94 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 19 Transplant: Mar 23 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Aug 3
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (97 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Aug 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (89 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 17 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 23 – Sep 1

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 314 gal / 100 sq ft
Tomatillo needs ~1,160 GDD — county provides 3,904 GDD Excellent fit

Tomatillo Planting Timeline โ€” Monroe County, AR

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 24 Jan 24 โ€“ Feb 7
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 11
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 11
Harvest May 30 May 30 โ€“ Aug 8

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“85 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

244 days

Growing Tips for Monroe County

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

  • Fennel
  • Dill

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tomatillo in Monroe County, AR?

Monroe County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Monroe County, AR?

Monroe County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Monroe County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Monroe County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.