When to Plant Tomatillo in Langlade County, WI
Tomatillos are a Mexican staple that produces tart, green fruits enclosed in papery husks. They are essential for salsa verde and green sauces.
Langlade County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 137 days.
At an elevation of 1,377 feet, Langlade County receives approximately 35 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Tomatillo to ensure they mature before fall.
Langlade County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
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 Langlade County
How your county's soil matches Tomatillo's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.2) overlaps with Tomatillo's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Langlade 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 (4.5%) — Tomatillo will thrive.
How to Plant Tomatillo
Succession Planting Tomatillo
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 07 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.8" | 4.1" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.8" | 4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.8" | 3.6" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.8" | 2.7" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Langlade 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 — Langlade County, WI
Tomatillo Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 6 | Jun 6 – Jun 20 |
| Direct Sow | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 20 |
| Harvest | August 8 | Aug 8 – Oct 17 |
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
1.1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
137 days in Langlade County
Growing Tips for Tomatillo in Langlade County
Direct sow Tomatillo outdoors after May 16 in Langlade 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 Langlade County, WI?
Langlade County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 16. Plan your Tomatillo planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Langlade County, WI?
Langlade County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 16 and first fall frost is September 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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