When to Plant Tomatillo in Floyd County, KY
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Floyd County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 2,218 feet, Floyd County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatillo root diseases.
Floyd County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7.1
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 Floyd County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–7.1) overlaps with Tomatillo's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Floyd County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Tomatillo.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 3.8" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 3.7" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 3.9" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 3.1" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Floyd 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 — Floyd County, KY
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Sep 15 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
183 days in Floyd County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Floyd County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after April 21 in Floyd 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.
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 Floyd County, KY?
Floyd County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Floyd County, KY?
Floyd County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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