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When to plant Chickpeas in Baldwin County, AL

Plant Chickpeas in Baldwin County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 10. Continue planting through March 3 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 29 to October 13 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chickpeas in Baldwin County, AL

Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a drought-tolerant legume producing round, nutty-flavored beans. They are the base for hummus, falafel, and many global dishes.

Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.

At an elevation of 336 feet, Baldwin County receives approximately 53 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Chickpeas may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chickpeas will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chickpeas root diseases.

Baldwin County, AL (Zone 9a) Long season
266 days
Last Spring Frost March 3
266 growing days
First Fall Frost November 24

Baldwin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chickpeas

Chickpeas needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chickpeas Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Baldwin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chickpeas Planting Timeline — Baldwin County, AL

Chickpeas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 17
Transplant Outdoors March 3 Mar 3 – Mar 17
Direct Sow February 10 Feb 10 – Mar 3
Harvest May 26 May 26 – Jul 7
Fall Sowing September 29 Sep 29 – Oct 13

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

80–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

266 days in Baldwin County

Growing Tips for Baldwin 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chickpeas in Baldwin County, AL?

Baldwin County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baldwin County, AL?

Baldwin County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 24.

When should I plant Chickpeas in Baldwin County, AL?

In Baldwin County, AL, plant Chickpeas after the last frost (around March 3) and before the first frost (around November 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Baldwin County, AL for Chickpeas?

Baldwin County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Chickpeas grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chickpeas grow in Baldwin County's climate?

Yes — Chickpeas grows well in Baldwin County's temperate climate. Baldwin County averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 3 and first frost around November 24.

🌱

Your Baldwin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Baldwin 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Baldwin County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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