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Growing Organic Garbanzo Beans in the Vegetable Garden

Begin by selecting a well-drained, sunny spot in your garden. Garbanzo beans thrive in full sunlight, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours daily. Since they are bush-type plants, you won't need to worry about trellises or supports. Chickpeas should be direct sown in the garden after the last frost date when the soil has warmed to at least 60 F. Sow the seeds about 1-2 inches deep, ensuring good soil contact. If planting in rows, space the seeds approximately 6 inches apart, with rows 18-24 inches apart, to allow for ample air circulation and growth. If planting in a block or bed, maintain similar spacing. After sowing, gently water the area to moisten the soil without washing away the seeds.

Garbanzo beans are relatively drought-tolerant once established, but consistent watering is crucial during the early growth and flowering stages. Water the plants deeply once a week, more frequently in dry or hot conditions. If the soil is particularly poor, a side dressing of compost or an organic fertilizer low in nitrogen but rich in phosphorus and potassium can be applied once the plants begin to flower.

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain consistent soil temperature. Regular weeding is essential, especially during the early stages when the plants are small and can be easily outcompeted by weeds.

Harvesting Organic Garbanzo Beans

The garbanzo beans are ready to harvest when the plants start to dry out and the pods turn brown and brittle. The beans inside should be hard and dry. This usually happens in late summer or early fall, depending on your growing season. To harvest, simply pull the entire plant out of the ground and hang it upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area to allow the pods to fully dry. Once completely dry, you can shell the bean.

About Organic Garbanzo Bean Garden Seeds

Once completely dry, you can shell the beans by hand or by gently threshing the plants to release the beans from the pods. The dried beans can then be stored in a cool, dry place for future use.

Garbanzo beans are the oldest documented cultivated legume with evidence of their use as far back as 7,000 years ago in the Middle East.

Chickpeas are rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. These antioxidants, which are in much lower quantities in regular tan-colored chickpeas, help fight oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Chickpeas can be used as a sprouting bean, cover crop, or typical shelling bean crop in a garden or agricultural setting.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Try making a hummus by blending the cooked chickpeas with tahini, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. So delicious and nutritious!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer