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When to plant Chickpeas in Phillips County, MT

Plant Chickpeas in Phillips County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 11. Continue planting through June 1 for the spring crop. A second sowing from June 29 to July 13 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chickpeas in Phillips County, MT

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

Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.

At an elevation of 6,886 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chickpeas to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chickpeas successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Phillips County, MT (Zone 3b) Short season
126 days
Last Spring Frost May 18
126 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Phillips County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chickpeas Planting Timeline — Phillips County, MT

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 June 29 Jun 29 – Jul 13

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing
July Fall Sowing
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 3b

📆 Growing Season

126 days in Phillips County

Growing Tips for Phillips 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 Phillips County, MT?

Phillips County is in Zone 3b 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 Phillips County, MT?

Phillips County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is September 21.

When should I plant Chickpeas in Phillips County, MT?

In Phillips County, MT, plant Chickpeas after the last frost (around May 18) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Phillips County, MT for Chickpeas?

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

Can Chickpeas grow in Phillips County's climate?

Yes — Chickpeas grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 126-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 18 and first frost around September 21.

🌱

Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 3b). 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 Phillips County, MT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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