Husks cover the green globe of the tomatillo.
Tomatillo plants produce a small, firm green fruit, rich in vitamin C, covered by a husk. If you love salsa verde -- green sauce -- on tacos, enchiladas or meats, you can grow your own tomatillos. They belong to the nightshade family or Solanaceae family, along with tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and eggplants. They require the same culture as tomatoes.
Instructions
1. Apply all-purpose garden fertilizer such as 10-10-10 before planting the tomatoes outdoors.
2. Start tomatillo seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your last frost date for longest summer production. Harden the small plants with outdoor exposure and place them in the garden permanently three feet apart in fertile, well-drained soil.
3. Provide 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per week if it doesn't rain. Control weeds with hoeing or mulching.
4. Harvest tomatillos when the husk changes from green to a tan shade and pull off the husk to use them in your favorite dish.
Tags: