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When to Plant Lentils in Wayne 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.

Wayne County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 268 days.

At an elevation of 473 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 61.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90Β°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Lentils will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lentils root diseases.

Wayne County, GA (Zone 8b) Long season
268 days
Last Spring Frost March 1
268 growing days
First Fall Frost November 24

Wayne County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

5.1-6.4

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 β€” 5.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 5.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 5.2" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Dec β€” 5.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lentils Planting Timeline β€” Wayne County, GA

Lentils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 25 Jan 25 – Feb 8
Transplant Outdoors March 1 Mar 1 – Mar 15
Direct Sow February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 8
Harvest May 24 May 24 – Jul 5
Fall Sowing September 15 Sep 15 – Sep 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Low β€” drought tolerant

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

80–110 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–8 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

268 days in Wayne County

Growing Tips for Wayne 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 Wayne County, GA?

Wayne County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wayne County, GA?

Wayne County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 24.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Wayne County gardeners in Zone 8b 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 Wayne County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.