When to Plant Chickpeas in Bennett County, SD
Your May game plan for Bennett County, South Dakota
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Bennett County, South Dakota this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Plant out chickpeas
Your last frost (May 11) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
Get ahead of 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.
Bennett County, South Dakota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 146 days.
At an elevation of 1,025 feet, Bennett County receives approximately 24.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chickpeas to ensure they mature before fall.
Bennett County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.6
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 Bennett County
How your county's soil matches Chickpeas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.6) is within Chickpeas's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bennett County is excellent for Chickpeas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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.
Succession Planting Chickpeas
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 26.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bennett 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 — Bennett County, SD
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 26 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
146 days in Bennett County
Growing Tips for Chickpeas in Bennett County
Direct sow Chickpeas outdoors after May 11 in Bennett 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.
Bennett County receives only 25" 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 Bennett County, SD?
Bennett County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bennett County, SD?
Bennett County, South Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Bennett County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bennett 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.