Step One for Tomatillos – Soil Prep and Trenching

Since the planter I am using for tomatillos is in constant use, I dig the soil down to the bottom of the planter until the soil is loose and pliable in my hands. Although tomatillos aren’t particularly heavy feeders, I do want them to have a good start so I added about 3 cups of  mushroom compost, about 2 cups of composted organic manure, and a quart of homemade compost. I  work this all into the top 12 inches of the soil in the planter.

Because tomatillos are like tomatoes (same plant family), digging a trench and planting the tomatillo so that the length of the stem is underground is ideal. Roots will then grow along the planted stem and give the plant an improved root system.