When to plant Chickpeas in Aroostook County, ME
Plant Chickpeas in Aroostook County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 11. Continue planting through June 1 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 2 to July 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chickpeas in Aroostook County, ME
Your June game plan for Aroostook County, Maine
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Indoor seed-starting week for chickpeas
Bottom-water once the first true leaves appear — it keeps stems dry and knocks back damping-off.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- Fall 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.
Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 129 days.
At an elevation of 314 feet, Aroostook County receives approximately 39.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 78°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chickpeas to ensure they mature before fall.
Aroostook County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
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 Aroostook County
How your county's soil matches Chickpeas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.3) is more acidic than Chickpeas prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Aroostook County is excellent for Chickpeas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Chickpeas.
How to Plant Chickpeas
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
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 | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Aroostook 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 — Aroostook County, ME
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | August 10 | Aug 10 – Sep 21 |
| 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 | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
129 days in Aroostook County
Growing Tips for Chickpeas in Aroostook County
Direct sow Chickpeas outdoors after May 18 in Aroostook 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.
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 Aroostook County, ME?
Aroostook County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Aroostook County, ME?
Aroostook County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 24.
When should I plant Chickpeas in Aroostook County, ME?
In Aroostook County, ME, plant Chickpeas after the last frost (around May 18) and before the first frost (around September 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Aroostook County, ME for Chickpeas?
Aroostook County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Chickpeas grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chickpeas grow in Aroostook County's climate?
Yes — Chickpeas grows well in Aroostook County's temperate climate. Aroostook County averages a 129-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 18 and first frost around September 24.
Your Aroostook County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Aroostook County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.