When to Plant Ground Cherry in Forest County, WI
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Forest County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.
At an elevation of 556 feet, Forest County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall.
Forest County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.7
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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Forest County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Forest County, WI
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 1 |
| Harvest | August 26 | Aug 26 – Oct 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | — |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Transplant Outdoors |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 4b
📆 Growing Season
133 days in Forest County
Growing Tips for Forest 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 Forest County, WI?
Forest County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Forest County, WI?
Forest County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 30.
Your Forest County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Forest 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.