When to Plant Chickpeas in Hinsdale County, CO
May to-do list for Hinsdale County, Colorado
Your Hinsdale County, Colorado garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- Transplants going out: chickpeas
- Direct-sowing: 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.
Hinsdale County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 84 days.
At an elevation of 6,833 feet, Hinsdale County receives approximately 23.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chickpeas to ensure they mature before fall.
Hinsdale County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-8.1
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 Hinsdale County
How your county's soil matches Chickpeas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.1) overlaps with Chickpeas's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Hinsdale County is excellent for Chickpeas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Chickpeas.
How to Plant Chickpeas
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Hinsdale 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 — Hinsdale County, CO
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 2 |
| Direct Sow | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jun 25 |
| Harvest | September 10 | Sep 10 – Oct 22 |
| Fall Sowing | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Transplant Outdoors Fall Sowing |
| August | — |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
84 days in Hinsdale County
Growing Tips for Chickpeas in Hinsdale County
Direct sow Chickpeas outdoors after June 18 in Hinsdale County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 84.0-day growing season in Hinsdale County is tight for Chickpeas (80.0-110.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
Common pests for Chickpeas in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
Hinsdale County receives only 24" 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 Hinsdale County, CO?
Hinsdale County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hinsdale County, CO?
Hinsdale County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 10.
Your Hinsdale County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hinsdale 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.