When to Plant Lentils in Jones County, TX
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.
Jones County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.
At an elevation of 2,973 feet, Jones County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Jones County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Lentils Planting Timeline — Jones County, TX
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 7b
Growing Season
230 days
Growing Tips for Jones 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 Jones County, TX?
Jones County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jones County, TX?
Jones County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Jones County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.