When to plant Ground Cherry in Baldwin County, GA
Baldwin County sits in cold Zone 8b. Plant Ground Cherry April 13–April 27 for the single annual harvest; the November 8 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Baldwin County, GA
June in Baldwin County, Georgia — your action list
Welcome to June in Zone 8b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Baldwin County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 421 feet, Baldwin County receives approximately 59 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Ground Cherry, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ground Cherry root diseases.
Baldwin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Ground Cherry 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.
Soil Compatibility in Baldwin County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.6) overlaps with Ground Cherry's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Baldwin County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Ground Cherry.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
Ground Cherry Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Ground Cherry
Ground Cherry needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Ground Cherry Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Baldwin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ground Cherry Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Baldwin County, GA
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
230 days in Baldwin County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Baldwin County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after March 23 in Baldwin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Baldwin County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Ground Cherry. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Ground Cherry in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Baldwin County, GA?
Baldwin County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baldwin County, GA?
Baldwin County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 8.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Baldwin County, GA?
In Baldwin County, GA, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around March 23) and before the first frost (around November 8). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Baldwin County, GA for Ground Cherry?
Baldwin County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Baldwin County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Baldwin County's temperate climate. Baldwin County averages a 230-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 23 and first frost around November 8.
Your Baldwin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Baldwin County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.