When to Plant Ground Cherry in Monroe County, NY
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Monroe County, New York is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 435 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 43.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Monroe County, NY
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | July 29 | Jul 29 – Sep 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
65–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
174 days
Growing Tips for Monroe County
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Let fruits fall to the ground naturally when ripe inside their husks. The husk turns brown and papery when the fruit is ready.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Monroe County, NY?
Monroe County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, NY?
Monroe County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Monroe County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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