When to Plant Chickpeas in Northumberland County, PA
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a drought-tolerant legume producing round, nutty-flavored beans. They are the base for hummus, falafel, and many global dishes.
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 324 feet, Northumberland County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Chickpeas during the growing season.
Northumberland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chickpeas Planting Timeline — Northumberland County, PA
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Northumberland County
Growing Tips for Northumberland 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
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Chickpeas in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chickpeas in Northumberland County, PA?
Northumberland County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Northumberland County, PA?
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 26.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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