Can I Plant Tomatillos as Deep as Tomatoes?

Tomatillos are a staple ingredient in many Mexican dishes and are becoming increasingly popular in other cuisines as well. These small, green fruits are similar to tomatoes but have a slightly tangier taste, and they are often used to make salsa verde. If you are thinking of growing tomatillos in your garden this year, you may be wondering if you can plant them as deep as tomatoes. The short answer is yes, you can plant tomatillos as deep as tomatoes, but there are a few key considerations you should keep in mind.

Understanding Tomatillo Growth Habits

In order to understand why you can plant tomatillos as deep as tomatoes, it is important to understand a little bit about how tomatillos grow. Like tomatoes, tomatillos are members of the nightshade family, and they grow on plants that reach several feet in height. The plants produce small, yellow flowers that eventually give way to small green fruits enclosed in papery husks. The fruits are ready to harvest when they fill out the husks and turn a bright green color.

Tomatillos are hardy annuals that grow best in warm weather, and they require full sun and well-drained soil in order to thrive. As they grow, tomatillo plants develop deep, extensive root systems that help them absorb nutrients and water from the soil. This is one reason why you can plant tomatillos as deep as tomatoes—the plants will develop deep roots that can help them withstand drought and other stresses.

Planting Tomatillos Deeply

If you want to plant tomatillos as deep as tomatoes, you should aim to plant them at least 2-3 inches below the soil surface. This will help the plants develop strong root systems and establish themselves more effectively. It is also important to plant tomatillos in well-drained soil that has been amended with compost or other organic matter. This will help ensure that the plants have access to the nutrients and water they need to grow and produce fruit.

When planting tomatillos, it is also important to space them appropriately. Tomatillos require plenty of room to grow, so be sure to space them at least 2-3 feet apart in rows that are spaced 3-4 feet apart. This will help ensure that the plants have room to establish themselves and that they are not competing with each other for nutrients and water.

Caring for Tomatillo Plants

Once you have planted your tomatillos, it is important to care for them properly in order to ensure a bountiful harvest. As with tomatoes, tomatillos require regular watering and fertilization, particularly during the early stages of growth. Be sure to water your plants deeply and regularly, and provide them with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. You may also wish to add a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and prevent weeds from taking hold.

In addition to regular watering and fertilization, tomatillo plants may require some pruning and support as they grow. Like tomatoes, they can become quite tall and may require staking or trellising in order to stay upright. Pruning can also help promote healthier growth and prevent diseases from taking hold. Be sure to remove any dead or dying foliage, and prune back any stems that are crowding the plant.

In Conclusion: Planting Tomatillos Deeply

In conclusion, if you are wondering if you can plant tomatillos as deep as tomatoes, the answer is yes. Tomatillo plants develop deep root systems, which make them well-suited to being planted deeply. When planting tomatillos, be sure to space them appropriately, plant them in well-drained soil, and care for them properly throughout the growing season. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, tangy tomatillos that can be used in a variety of dishes.