When to plant Lentils in Macoupin County, IL
In Zone 6b (Macoupin County), direct-sow Lentils between March 28 and April 18 for spring, after the April 11 last-frost mark. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Macoupin 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.
Macoupin County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 193 days.
At an elevation of 859 feet, Macoupin County receives approximately 30.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Macoupin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Macoupin County, IL
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | July 4 | Jul 4 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
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
193 days in Macoupin County
Growing Tips for Macoupin 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 Macoupin County, IL?
Macoupin County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Macoupin County, IL?
Macoupin County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Lentils in Macoupin County, IL?
In Macoupin County, IL, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Macoupin County, IL for Lentils?
Macoupin 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 Macoupin County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Macoupin County's temperate climate. Macoupin County averages a 193-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 21.
Your Macoupin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Macoupin 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.