When to Plant Chickpeas in Somerset County, ME
May to-do list for Somerset County, Maine
Here's what deserves your attention in Somerset County, Maine this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 5a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Set out chickpeas seedlings
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Sow chickpeas where they'll grow
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: 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.
Somerset County, Maine is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 127 days.
At an elevation of 356 feet, Somerset County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chickpeas to ensure they mature before fall.
Somerset County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.4
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 Somerset County
How your county's soil matches Chickpeas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.4) is more acidic than Chickpeas prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Somerset County is excellent for Chickpeas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 (3.3%). 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
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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Somerset 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 — Somerset County, ME
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | August 14 | Aug 14 – Sep 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
127 days in Somerset County
Growing Tips for Chickpeas in Somerset County
Direct sow Chickpeas outdoors after May 22 in Somerset 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 Somerset County, ME?
Somerset County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Somerset County, ME?
Somerset County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 26.
Your Somerset County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Somerset 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.