When to Plant Chickpeas in Burke County, ND
May to-do list for Burke County, North Dakota
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Burke County, North Dakota this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Time to transplant chickpeas
Frost risk is low now in Burke County, North Dakota. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
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Put chickpeas seeds straight in the ground
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Burke County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 133 days.
At an elevation of 1,146 feet, Burke County receives approximately 21.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chickpeas to ensure they mature before fall.
Burke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 Burke County
How your county's soil matches Chickpeas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is within Chickpeas's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Burke 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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Burke 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 — Burke County, ND
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | August 6 | Aug 6 – Sep 17 |
| 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 | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
133 days in Burke County
Growing Tips for Chickpeas in Burke County
Direct sow Chickpeas outdoors after May 14 in Burke 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.
Burke County receives only 22" of rain annually. Chickpeas needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Burke County, ND?
Burke County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Burke County, ND?
Burke County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is September 24.
Your Burke County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Burke 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.