When to Plant Lentils in USDA Zone 2a
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.
In Zone 2a, the average last spring frost is around May 30 and the first fall frost is around September 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 94 days.
Lentils Planting Timeline — Zone 2a
Where Is USDA Zone 2a?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 2a. Click any state to see the Lentils planting schedule for that location.
Lentils Planting Calendar — Zone 2a
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 30 | May 30 – Jun 13 |
| Direct Sow | May 23 | May 23 – Jun 13 |
| Harvest | August 22 | Aug 22 – Oct 3 |
| Fall Sowing | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 2a Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 2a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
80–110 days
Soil pH
6 – 8
Zone Temperature Range
-50°F to -45°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
94 days (Zone 2a average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 6 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Growing Tips for Lentils in Zone 2a
Zone 2a has a short growing season (~94 days). Start Lentils indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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
Saving Lentils Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Lentils in Other Zones
Lentils by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lentils in Zone 2a?
In Zone 2a, plan your Lentils planting around the average last frost date of May 30. Start seeds indoors around April 18. Direct sow outdoors around May 23. Transplant seedlings around May 30.
Can Lentils grow in Zone 2a?
Yes, Lentils can grow well in Zone 2a, hardy in USDA zones 2a through 10b. Zone 2a has a growing season of approximately 94 days, which is sufficient for Lentils (80-110 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Lentils in Zone 2a?
In Zone 2a, expect to harvest Lentils from August 22 – October 3. Lentils takes 80-110 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 2a?
The average last spring frost in Zone 2a is around May 30, and the first fall frost is around September 1. This gives a growing season of approximately 94 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Lentils?
Good companion plants for Lentils include Corn, Lettuce. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 2a, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.