When to Plant Chickpeas in Washington County, VT
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a drought-tolerant legume producing round, nutty-flavored beans. They are the base for hummus, falafel, and many global dishes.
Washington County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 959 feet, Washington County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chickpeas to ensure they mature before fall.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.3
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 — Washington County, VT
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Sep 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | 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 4a
Growing Season
148 days
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, VT?
Washington County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, VT?
Washington County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Washington County gardeners in Zone 4a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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