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When to plant Chickpeas in Lee County, KY

Plant Chickpeas in Lee County after April 18; the prime window is April 4–April 25. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chickpeas in Lee County, KY

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

Lee County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.

At an elevation of 3,433 feet, Lee County receives approximately 52.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chickpeas during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chickpeas root diseases.

Lee County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
186 days
Last Spring Frost April 18
186 growing days
First Fall Frost October 21

Lee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chickpeas Planting Timeline — Lee County, KY

Chickpeas Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Transplant Outdoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Direct Sow April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 25
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 – Aug 22
Fall Sowing August 12 Aug 12 – Aug 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
October
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

186 days in Lee County

Growing Tips for Lee 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 Lee County, KY?

Lee County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Lee County, KY?

Lee County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 21.

When should I plant Chickpeas in Lee County, KY?

In Lee County, KY, plant Chickpeas after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Lee County, KY for Chickpeas?

Lee County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chickpeas grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chickpeas grow in Lee County's climate?

Yes — Chickpeas grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 21.

🌱

Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Lee County (Zone 6b). 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 Lee County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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