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When to Plant Tomatillo in Toombs County, GA

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

Toombs County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 260 days.

At an elevation of 283 feet, Toombs County receives approximately 59.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93ยฐF, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Tomatillo, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatillo root diseases.

Toombs County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
260 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
260 growing days
First Fall Frost November 22

Toombs County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (114 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 10 Transplant: Mar 14 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jul 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (113 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Aug 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 5 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Aug 20

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
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 79 gal / 100 sq ft
Tomatillo needs ~1,432 GDD — county provides 5,135 GDD Excellent fit

Tomatillo Planting Timeline โ€” Toombs County, GA

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 17 Jan 17 โ€“ Jan 31
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 โ€“ Apr 4
Harvest May 23 May 23 โ€“ Aug 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February โ€”
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 8b

Growing Season

260 days

Growing Tips for Toombs 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tomatillo in Toombs County, GA?

Toombs County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Toombs County, GA?

Toombs County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 22.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Toombs County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Toombs County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.