Blog

When to Plant Tomatillo in Union 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.

Union County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.

At an elevation of 175 feet, Union County receives approximately 61.4 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.

Union County, GA (Zone 7a) Moderate season
195 days
Last Spring Frost April 11
195 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Union County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.8-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (53 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 10 Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jun 16 – Aug 25
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Apr 25 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Sep 5
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (53 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: May 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 19 – Sep 27

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
1.3″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Tomatillo needs ~1,432 GDD — county provides 3,851 GDD Excellent fit

Tomatillo Planting Timeline โ€” Union County, GA

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 21 Feb 21 โ€“ Mar 7
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ May 9
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 โ€“ May 9
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 โ€“ Sep 5

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 7a

Growing Season

195 days

Growing Tips for Union 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 Union County, GA?

Union County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Union County, GA?

Union County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 23.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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