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When to Plant Tomatillo in Wahkiakum 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.

Wahkiakum County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 205 days.

At an elevation of 180 feet, Wahkiakum County receives approximately 35.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Tomatillo during the growing season.

Wahkiakum County, WA (Zone 8a) Long season
205 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
205 growing days
First Fall Frost November 4

Wahkiakum County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (63 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 12 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 18 – Aug 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (58 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 23 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 29 – Sep 7
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (70 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 12 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 24

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.7″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 505 gal / 100 sq ft
Tomatillo needs ~997 GDD — county provides 2,818 GDD Excellent fit

Tomatillo Planting Timeline โ€” Wahkiakum County, WA

Tomatillo Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 23 Feb 23 โ€“ Mar 9
Transplant Outdoors April 27 Apr 27 โ€“ May 11
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 โ€“ May 11
Harvest June 29 Jun 29 โ€“ Sep 7

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“85 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

205 days

Growing Tips for Wahkiakum 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

  • Fennel
  • Dill

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Tomatillo in Wahkiakum County, WA?

Wahkiakum County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wahkiakum County, WA?

Wahkiakum County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is November 4.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Wahkiakum County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Wahkiakum County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.