When to Plant Lentils in Stoddard County, MO
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.
Stoddard County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 1,112 feet, Stoddard County receives approximately 40.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Stoddard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-7.1
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
Lentils Planting Timeline — Stoddard County, MO
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
204 days
Growing Tips for Stoddard 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 Stoddard County, MO?
Stoddard County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stoddard County, MO?
Stoddard County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Stoddard County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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