When to Plant Tomatillo in Kitsap County, WA
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Kitsap County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.
At an elevation of 264 feet, Kitsap County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Kitsap County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Kitsap County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.3) is more acidic than Tomatillo prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Kitsap County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Tomatillo will thrive.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 12 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 | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.8" | 4.3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.8" | 2.7" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.8" | 2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 1.3" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 0.7" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 0.7" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 1.4" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.8" | 2.9" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.8" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kitsap 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 — Kitsap County, WA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 4 | Feb 4 – Feb 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Aug 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
225 days in Kitsap County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Kitsap County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after March 25 in Kitsap 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 Kitsap County, WA?
Kitsap County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kitsap County, WA?
Kitsap County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 5.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Kitsap County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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