When to Plant Chickpeas in Elbert County, CO
Elbert County, Colorado gardeners: here's your May plan
A quick May briefing for Elbert County, Colorado gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Harden off and plant chickpeas
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: chickpeas
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a drought-tolerant legume producing round, nutty-flavored beans. They are the base for hummus, falafel, and many global dishes.
Elbert County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 5,587 feet, Elbert County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chickpeas during the growing season.
Elbert County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.7
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.
Soil Compatibility in Elbert County
How your county's soil matches Chickpeas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.7) is within Chickpeas's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Elbert County is excellent for Chickpeas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chickpeas.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Chickpeas.
How to Plant Chickpeas
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chickpeas
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 15 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 25.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Chickpeas
Chickpeas needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chickpeas Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Elbert County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chickpeas Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chickpeas Planting Timeline — Elbert County, CO
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Sep 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
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 |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
144 days in Elbert County
Growing Tips for Chickpeas in Elbert County
Direct sow Chickpeas outdoors after May 12 in Elbert County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Chickpeas in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Elbert County receives only 22" of rain annually. Chickpeas needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chickpeas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chickpeas in Elbert County, CO?
Elbert County is in Zone 5b 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 Elbert County, CO?
Elbert County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Elbert County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Elbert County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.