When to plant Lentils in Crawford County, IL
For Lentils in Crawford County, the safe spring window opens around March 31 and closes around April 21. Last expected frost is April 14, first fall frost October 23, giving a 192-day growing season. A second sowing from August 14 to August 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Crawford County, IL
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.
Crawford County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 555 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Crawford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Crawford County, IL
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | July 7 | Jul 7 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Crawford County
Growing Tips for Crawford 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
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Lentils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lentils in Crawford County, IL?
Crawford County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crawford County, IL?
Crawford County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Lentils in Crawford County, IL?
In Crawford County, IL, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Crawford County, IL for Lentils?
Crawford County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Lentils grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lentils grow in Crawford County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Crawford County's temperate climate. Crawford County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 23.
Your Crawford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Crawford County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.