When to plant Chickpeas in Union County, GA
Plant Chickpeas in Union County from March 28 to April 18 in spring. Union County sits in USDA Zone 7b, with last frost around April 11 and first frost on October 23. A second sowing from August 14 to August 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chickpeas in Union County, GA
August to-do list for Union County, Georgia
Here's what deserves your attention in Union County, Georgia this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Start harvesting chickpeas
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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Get chickpeas in for a late-season harvest
Mid-season soil is hot. Sow a bit deeper than the packet suggests to find cooler, damper ground.
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a drought-tolerant legume producing round, nutty-flavored beans. They are the base for hummus, falafel, and many global dishes.
Union County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 175 feet, Union County receives approximately 61.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Chickpeas during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chickpeas, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chickpeas root diseases.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Chickpeas 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 Union County
How your county's soil matches Chickpeas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.2) overlaps with Chickpeas's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Union County is excellent for Chickpeas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 Jul 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 14.
Chickpeas Water Budget
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 | — | 6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 5.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Union 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 — Union County, GA
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Chickpeas in Union County
Direct sow Chickpeas outdoors after April 11 in Union County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Union County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Chickpeas. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Common pests for Chickpeas in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chickpeas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chickpeas in Union County, GA?
Union County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, GA?
Union County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Chickpeas in Union County, GA?
In Union County, GA, plant Chickpeas after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Union County, GA for Chickpeas?
Union County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Chickpeas grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chickpeas grow in Union County's climate?
Yes — Chickpeas grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 23.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.