When to plant Ground Cherry in Green County, KY
In Green County, Ground Cherry is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 2–May 16 for an 65–80-day harvest, finishing well before the October 26 first frost.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Green County, KY
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Green County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 3,262 feet, Green County receives approximately 50.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Ground Cherry during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Ground Cherry root diseases.
Green County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Green County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Green County, KY
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| 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
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Green County
Growing Tips for Green 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Ground Cherry in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Green County, KY?
Green County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Green County, KY?
Green County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Green County, KY?
In Green County, KY, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Green County, KY for Ground Cherry?
Green County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Green County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Green County's temperate climate. Green County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 26.
Your Green County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Green County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.