When to Plant Lentils in Rio Blanco County, CO
Lentils are an ancient pulse crop producing small, lens-shaped seeds packed with protein and iron. They grow on short, bushy plants and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.
Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 2 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.
At an elevation of 6,974 feet, Rio Blanco County receives approximately 19 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lentils successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Rio Blanco County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lentils Planting Timeline — Rio Blanco County, CO
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 9 |
| Fall Sowing | July 9 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Harvest | August 25 | Aug 25 – Oct 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
80–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
107 days
Growing Tips for Rio Blanco County
Direct sow in early spring as lentils tolerate frost. Provide short supports as plants tend to lodge. Harvest when lower pods turn brown. Pull entire plants and dry in bundles.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Lentils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lentils in Rio Blanco County, CO?
Rio Blanco County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of June 2. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rio Blanco County, CO?
Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is June 2 and first fall frost is September 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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