When to Plant Lentils in Morrill County, NE
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.
Morrill County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 1,112 feet, Morrill County receives approximately 34.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lentils to ensure they mature before fall.
Morrill County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.6
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 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lentils Planting Timeline — Morrill County, NE
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 11 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
80–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
145 days
Growing Tips for Morrill 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 Morrill County, NE?
Morrill County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morrill County, NE?
Morrill County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 3.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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