At a Glance
Tomatillos , also known asMexican husk tomatoes , are a versatile and flavorous fruit that can add aunique zestto your culinary universe . grow your own tomatillos is arewarding experience , providing you with an teemingness of refreshful produce . Here ’s a comprehensive guide to help you nurture and care for your tomatillo plant life , ensuring a plentiful harvest .
Planting
Soil Preparation : Tomatillos thrivein well - debilitate , fat soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 . Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve itsnutrient contentand drainage . Seed Sowing : Start seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last rime . Sow seeds 1/4inch deepin a seed - start mixture . Keep thesoil moistand warm ( 70 - 80 ° F ) for sprouting . transplant : Transplant seedlings alfresco when they have developed their first set oftrue leave . Harden off the seedlings bygradually exposingthem to outside condition for a few hours each day . implant them 2 - 3 foot aside inrows spaced3 - 4 feet aside .
Watering
Tomatillo plants require even lachrymation , peculiarly during hot , ironic weather . Aim to provide 1 - 2 inches of water per week , either through rainfall or supplemental watering . Avoid overwatering , assoggy soilcan lead to ascendent rot .
Fertilizing
Fertilize tomatillo plants every 3 - 4 hebdomad with abalanced fertilizer . Use a fertiliser with a ratio of 10 - 10 - 10 or alike . Avoid over - fertilizing , as it can promote exuberant leaf growth at the expense of fruit output .
Mulching
Mulching around tomatillo plant helps continue wet , suppress skunk , andregulate soil temperature . Useorganic materialssuch as straw , hay , or compost as mulch . Spread a 2 - 3inch layeraround the flora , keeping it aside from the stems .
Pruning
Pruning Mexican husk tomato plants is not necessary , but it can helpimprove air circulationandfruit yield . Remove any sucker ( shoot that arise between the main root and offshoot ) and prune back any too long branches .
Pest and Disease Control
Tomatillo plants aregenerally resistantto plague and diseases , but they can be affected by sure publication : Aphids : These small , greenish insects cansuck sapfromtomatillo leaves , stimulate yellowing and stunted growth . deal withinsecticidal soapor neem oil . Cutworms : These Caterpillar can cut offyoung seedlingsat the base . Protect plant with choker or diatomaceous ground . Blossom - end rot : This physiologic upset is caused bycalcium deficiency . bring atomic number 20 to the soil or lend oneself acalcium sprayto the plant .
Harvesting
Tomatillos are ready to glean when they have pass theirfull sizeand the shuck have turn from green to a papery brown . Gently convolute the fruits from the works , leaving the husks inviolate .
Storage
Store tomatillos in a cool , dry placewithgood aura circulation . They can be stored for up to 2 - 3 weeks . take out them from the chaff before using .
Tips for Success
Troubleshooting
Questions We Hear a Lot
1 . How often should I water my jamberry plants?Aim to supply 1 - 2 inches of water per workweek , either through rain or supplemental watering.2 . What is the best fertiliser for tomatillo plants?Use abalanced fertilizerwith a proportion of 10 - 10 - 10 or interchangeable . fertilise every 3 - 4 weeks.3 . How do I preclude bloom - close rot?Add calcium to the filth or put on acalcium sprayto the plants.4 . When aretomatillos readyto harvest?Tomatillos are ready to harvest when they have reached theirfull sizeand the husks have turned from unripe to a papery brown.5 . How long can I salt away tomatillos?Tomatillos can be stored for up to 2 - 3 hebdomad in a coolheaded , wry placewith good aura circulation .