When to Plant Lentils in Huntingdon County, PA
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.
Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 605 feet, Huntingdon County receives approximately 46.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Huntingdon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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 — Huntingdon County, PA
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Harvest | July 14 | Jul 14 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | 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 6a
Growing Season
187 days
Growing Tips for Huntingdon 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 Huntingdon County, PA?
Huntingdon County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Huntingdon County, PA?
Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Huntingdon County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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