When to Plant Chickpeas in Waldo County, ME
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a drought-tolerant legume producing round, nutty-flavored beans. They are the base for hummus, falafel, and many global dishes.
Waldo County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 966 feet, Waldo County receives approximately 46 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chickpeas to ensure they mature before fall.
Waldo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Chickpeas Planting Timeline — Waldo County, ME
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
| Harvest | July 31 | Jul 31 – Sep 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
80–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
151 days
Growing Tips for Waldo County
Direct sow 4 weeks before last frost as chickpeas prefer cool growing conditions. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Harvest when pods rattle with dry beans inside.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Chickpeas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chickpeas in Waldo County, ME?
Waldo County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 8. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Waldo County, ME?
Waldo County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 8 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Waldo County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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