When to plant Ground Cherry in Carver County, MN
Carver County's 168-day season only supports one Ground Cherry planting per year. Sow between May 22 and June 5 for the best chance at full maturity before October 9.
When to Plant Ground Cherry in Carver County, MN
Top priorities for Carver County, Minnesota gardeners in June
Welcome to June in Zone 4b. 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.
Carver County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.
At an elevation of 1,324 feet, Carver County receives approximately 37.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.
Carver County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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 Carver County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) overlaps with Ground Cherry's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Carver County is excellent for Ground Cherry — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Ground Cherry will thrive.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 21 to harvest before frost.
Ground Cherry Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Carver 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 — Carver County, MN
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Sep 25 |
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
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
65–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
168 days in Carver County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Carver County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after April 24 in Carver 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 Carver County, MN?
Carver County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carver County, MN?
Carver County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Ground Cherry in Carver County, MN?
In Carver County, MN, plant Ground Cherry after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Carver County, MN for Ground Cherry?
Carver County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Ground Cherry grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Ground Cherry grow in Carver County's climate?
Yes — Ground Cherry grows well in Carver County's temperate climate. Carver County averages a 168-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 9.
Your Carver County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carver County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.