When to plant Lentils in Will County, IL
Will County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Plant Lentils between April 9 (after last frost on April 23) and April 30. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Will 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.
Will County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 655 feet, Will County receives approximately 41.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lentils to ensure they mature before fall.
Will County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7.2
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Will County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lentils Planting Timeline — Will County, IL
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Will County
Growing Tips for Will 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lentils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lentils in Will County, IL?
Will County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Will County, IL?
Will County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Lentils in Will County, IL?
In Will County, IL, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Will County, IL for Lentils?
Will County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lentils grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lentils grow in Will County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Will County's temperate climate. Will County averages a 177-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 17.
Your Will County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Will County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.