When to Plant Lentils in Linn County, OR
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.
Linn County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 259 feet, Linn County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lentils to ensure they mature before fall.
Linn County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.3
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 — Linn County, OR
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Harvest | July 15 | Jul 15 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 8a
Growing Season
186 days
Growing Tips for Linn 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 Linn County, OR?
Linn County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Linn County, OR?
Linn County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Linn County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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