When to plant Ground Cherry in Aroostook County, ME
Aroostook County's 129-day season only supports one Ground Cherry planting per year. Sow between June 15 and June 29 for the best chance at full maturity before September 24.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Aroostook County, ME
June in Aroostook County, Maine — your action list
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Aroostook County, Maine this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.
At an elevation of 314 feet, Aroostook County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.
Aroostook County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
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 Aroostook County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.3) is more acidic than Ground Cherry prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Aroostook County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 06 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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Aroostook 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 — Aroostook County, ME
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 15 | Jun 15 – Jun 29 |
| Harvest | August 24 | Aug 24 – Oct 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
129 days in Aroostook County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Aroostook County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after May 18 in Aroostook County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Aroostook County, ME?
Aroostook County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Aroostook County, ME?
Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 24.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Aroostook County, ME?
In Aroostook County, ME, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around May 18) and before the first frost (around September 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Aroostook County, ME for Ground Cherry?
Aroostook County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Aroostook County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Aroostook County's temperate climate. Aroostook County averages a 129-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 18 and first frost around September 24.
Your Aroostook County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Aroostook County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.