When to Plant Tomatillo in Lincoln 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.
Lincoln County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 2,955 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 21.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.6
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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.6) overlaps with Tomatillo's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Tomatillo — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tomatillo.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.3%) — Tomatillo will thrive.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 03 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 | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.8" | 1.1" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 1" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 0.3" | 4.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 0.5" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 0.8" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Lincoln 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 — Lincoln County, WA
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 26 | May 26 – Jun 16 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Oct 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| 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
1.1"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
130 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Lincoln County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after May 19 in Lincoln 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.
Lincoln County receives only 22" of rain annually. Tomatillo needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Lincoln County, WA?
Lincoln County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 19. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, WA?
Lincoln County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 19 and first fall frost is September 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lincoln County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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