When to plant Lentils in Hamilton County, IN
Plant Lentils in Hamilton County after April 17; the prime window is April 3–April 24. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Hamilton County, IN
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.
Hamilton County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 183 days.
At an elevation of 747 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 30.3 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.
Hamilton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, IN
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 21 |
| 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 | 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
183 days in Hamilton County
Growing Tips for Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, IN?
Hamilton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hamilton County, IN?
Hamilton County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Lentils in Hamilton County, IN?
In Hamilton County, IN, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hamilton County, IN for Lentils?
Hamilton 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 Hamilton County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Hamilton County's temperate climate. Hamilton County averages a 183-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 17.
Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton 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.