The Soil Requirements for Growing Tomatillos

Seed Starting

• Like tomatoes, tomatillos cannot tolerate frost and germinate best under warm temperatures. Starting the seeds indoors in early spring protects the tender seedlings from cold damage and allows them to grow strong before you transplant them outside. Start tomatillo seeds in sterile potting soil. Sterile soil contains no disease or pest organisms that can damage or kill the seedlings. A well-drained potting soil prevents soggy soil during and after germination, which prevents the roots of the seedling from rotting.

Soil Quality

• Tomatillos in the garden require a well-drained but moist soil. Rich garden loam and soils amended with compost allow excess moisture to drain out but retain enough water so they don't dry completely. Choose a garden bed naturally rich in organic matter when possible, otherwise work 2 inches or more of compost into the site before planting the tomatillos. Avoid sandy soils or beds that become soggy after rain or irrigation, as these can cause the tomatillos to grow poorly or die prematurely.

Soil pH

• Soil pH indicates the acidity of the garden bed. Like most garden vegetables, tomatillos grow best at a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Established vegetable bed typically have the correct soil pH. A new bed requires a soil test to ensure the pH level is sufficient for tomatillo growing. Test the soil with a kit from a garden center or from your county extension office. The test indicates the pH level and any necessary amendments to bring the soil into the preferred pH range. Agricultural lime is the typical amendment needed to raise the pH to the recommended level.

Fertility

• Rich soil typically contains some nutrients, but usually not enough to provide the tomatillo plant with everything it needs through the growing season. A soil test can also indicate the fertility needs of your proposed garden site. If you don't test the soil, fertilize the soil before you plant with 1 lb. of balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 8-8-8 blend, for every 100 square feet of planting area. A second application of fertilizer as the plants begin to set fruit is sometimes necessary if the plants begin to yellow or develop poorly.