When to Plant Tomatillo in Box Butte County, NE
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Box Butte County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 1,021 feet, Box Butte County receives approximately 27.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatillo to ensure they mature before fall.
Box Butte County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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 — Box Butte County, NE
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
| Direct Sow | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 15 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Oct 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| 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
143 days
Growing Tips for Box Butte 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 Box Butte County, NE?
Box Butte County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Box Butte County, NE?
Box Butte County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Box Butte County gardeners in Zone 4b 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.