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When to plant Lentils in Atkinson County, GA

Lentils planted in Atkinson County between February 13 and March 6 matures in 80–110 days — well before the November 23 first frost. A second sowing from September 28 to October 12 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lentils in Atkinson County, GA

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.

Atkinson County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 262 days.

At an elevation of 193 feet, Atkinson County receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Lentils may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lentils, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lentils root diseases.

Atkinson County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
262 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
262 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Atkinson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lentils

Lentils needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lentils Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Atkinson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lentils Planting Timeline — Atkinson County, GA

Lentils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Direct Sow February 13 Feb 13 – Mar 6
Harvest May 29 May 29 – Jul 10
Fall Sowing September 28 Sep 28 – Oct 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

80–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

262 days in Atkinson County

Growing Tips for Atkinson 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lentils in Atkinson County, GA?

Atkinson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Atkinson County, GA?

Atkinson County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 23.

When should I plant Lentils in Atkinson County, GA?

In Atkinson County, GA, plant Lentils after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Atkinson County, GA for Lentils?

Atkinson County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Lentils grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lentils grow in Atkinson County's climate?

Yes — Lentils grows well in Atkinson County's temperate climate. Atkinson County averages a 262-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 23.

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Your Atkinson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Atkinson County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Atkinson County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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