When to plant Lentils in Fayette County, IL
Spring Lentils in Fayette County goes in March 29–April 19, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Fayette 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.
Fayette County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 854 feet, Fayette County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Fayette County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Fayette County, IL
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
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
189 days in Fayette County
Growing Tips for Fayette 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
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Lentils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lentils in Fayette County, IL?
Fayette County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fayette County, IL?
Fayette County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Lentils in Fayette County, IL?
In Fayette County, IL, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fayette County, IL for Lentils?
Fayette 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 Fayette County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Fayette County's temperate climate. Fayette County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 18.
Your Fayette County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Fayette 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.