When to Plant Chickpeas in St. Martin Parish, LA
May to-do list for St. Martin Parish, Louisiana
Each item below is timed to St. Martin Parish, Louisiana's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Bring in the chickpeas
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: 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.
St. Martin Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 295 days.
At an elevation of 417 feet, St. Martin Parish receives approximately 55.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 96°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.
St. Martin Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6
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 St. Martin Parish
How your county's soil matches Chickpeas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.0) is more acidic than Chickpeas prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Martin Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chickpeas will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Chickpeas prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Chickpeas.
How to Plant Chickpeas
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chickpeas
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 10.
Plant 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 | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Martin Parish). 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 — St. Martin Parish, LA
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jun 19 |
| Fall Sowing | October 10 | Oct 10 – Oct 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
295 days in St. Martin Parish
Growing Tips for Chickpeas in St. Martin Parish
Direct sow Chickpeas outdoors after February 13 in St. Martin Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Martin Parish dries quickly — mulch Chickpeas with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in St. Martin Parish, provide afternoon shade for Chickpeas and water deeply in the morning.
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 St. Martin Parish, LA?
St. Martin Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Martin Parish, LA?
St. Martin Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 5.
Your St. Martin Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for St. Martin Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.