When to Plant Ground Cherry in Lee County, TX
Your May planting checklist for Lee County, Texas
Your garden in Lee County, Texas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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It's harvest week for ground cherry
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- First harvests: ground cherry
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Lee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 275 days.
At an elevation of 1,174 feet, Lee County receives approximately 59.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Ground Cherry may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.1-8.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Lee County
How your county's soil matches Ground Cherry's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.1–8.2) is more alkaline than Ground Cherry prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Your clay soil in Lee County is workable for Ground Cherry. Add compost annually to improve structure.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Ground Cherry.
How to Plant Ground Cherry
Succession Planting Ground Cherry
Sow every 7.4 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 11 to harvest before frost.
Plant 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Lee 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 — Lee County, TX
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jul 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
275 days in Lee County
Growing Tips for Ground Cherry in Lee County
Direct sow Ground Cherry outdoors after February 28 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Lee County's clay soil (37% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Ground Cherry. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Lee County, provide afternoon shade for Ground Cherry and water deeply in the morning.
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 Lee County, TX?
Lee County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, TX?
Lee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 30.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.