When to Plant Ground Cherry in Carbon County, WY
Ground cherries produce small, sweet, tropical-tasting berries enclosed in papery husks. They are related to tomatillos and cape gooseberries and self-sow readily.
Carbon County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 110 days.
At an elevation of 8,469 feet, Carbon County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Ground Cherry to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Ground Cherry successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Carbon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-8.3
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" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.1" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Carbon County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Ground Cherry Planting Timeline — Carbon County, WY
Ground Cherry Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | June 21 | Jun 21 – Jul 5 |
| Harvest | August 30 | Aug 30 – Oct 25 |
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 5a
📆 Growing Season
110 days in Carbon County
Growing Tips for Carbon 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 Carbon County, WY?
Carbon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Ground Cherry planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carbon County, WY?
Carbon County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 18.
Your Carbon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carbon County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.