When to Plant Chickpeas in Price County, WI
Your May gardening checklist
Your garden in Price County, Wisconsin is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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Get chickpeas in the ground
Pinch off the lowest leaves on each seedling before you plant — it reduces water loss while the roots catch up.
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Seed chickpeas outdoors
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Price County, Wisconsin is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 1,325 feet, Price County receives approximately 41.5 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.
Price County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
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 Price County
How your county's soil matches Chickpeas's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.3) overlaps with Chickpeas's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Price County is excellent for Chickpeas — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Chickpeas will thrive.
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 6/10 — 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 | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Price 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 — Price County, WI
Chickpeas Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Harvest | August 9 | Aug 9 – Sep 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 7 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Price County
Growing Tips for Chickpeas in Price County
Direct sow Chickpeas outdoors after May 17 in Price 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 Price County, WI?
Price County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Chickpeas planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Price County, WI?
Price County, Wisconsin is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is September 29.
Your Price County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Price 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.