When to Plant Tomatillo in Valley County, ID
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Valley County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 77 days.
At an elevation of 7,884 feet, Valley County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°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.
Valley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.4
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Tomatillo Planting Timeline — Valley County, ID
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | July 9 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Direct Sow | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 23 |
| Harvest | September 10 | Sep 10 – Nov 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | Harvest |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–85 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
77 days
Growing Tips for Valley 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
Level Up Your Garden
Tomatillo in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatillo in Valley County, ID?
Valley County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Valley County, ID?
Valley County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Valley County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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