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How to Plant Garbanzo

People eat more garbanzo beans (Cicer arietinum) than any other bean, according to agriculturists with Arizona State University. Also known as chickpeas, garbanzos require a long, warm growing period. They grow 2 to 3 feet tall, and bear two to three peas per pod. The beans are used in soups and stews, ground into hummus, or eaten as a snack. Garbanzo seedlings are frost-tolerant, so plant them early to get a head start on the season.

Things You'll Need

  • Garden fork or spade
  • Sand
  • Starter fertilizer
  • Rake
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the planting bed by lightly tilling the top 2 inches of soil. Incorporate a 2-inch layer of sand into the soil and a starter fertilizer, at the rate suggested on the label for the size of your garden.

    • 2

      Firm the seedbed by walking over it several times and then use the rake to remove your footprints.

    • 3

      Place the garbanzo bean seeds on the surface of the soil, 1 foot apart, and cover them with 1 inch of sand.

    • 4

      Moisten the garbanzo bed to a depth of 6 inches and then don't water again unless it doesn't rain for two weeks.

    • 5

      Harvest the garbanzo beans when they are still green or allow them to dry on the plant for dry beans.