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When to Plant Lentils in Reeves 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.

Reeves County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is November 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 4,504 feet, Reeves County receives approximately 44.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97ยฐF, so Lentils may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Lentils will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Reeves County, TX (Zone 7b) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 10

Reeves County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.5-8.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (101 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 10 Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: Jun 9 – Jul 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (102 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 20 Transplant: Mar 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Jul 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 13 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 10 – Aug 21

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Lentils needs ~2,161 GDD — county provides 5,187 GDD Excellent fit

Lentils Planting Timeline โ€” Reeves County, TX

Lentils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 โ€“ Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors March 27 Mar 27 โ€“ Apr 10
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 โ€“ Apr 3
Fall Sowing September 1 Sep 1 โ€“ Sep 15
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 โ€“ Jul 31

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

80โ€“110 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 8

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

228 days

Growing Tips for Reeves 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lentils in Reeves County, TX?

Reeves County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Reeves County, TX?

Reeves County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is November 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Reeves County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Reeves County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.