When to plant Lentils in Monroe County, IN
Plant Lentils in Monroe County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 29. Continue planting through April 19 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Monroe 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.
Monroe County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 670 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 36.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Monroe County, IN
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 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
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
191 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Monroe 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 Monroe County, IN?
Monroe 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 Monroe County, IN?
Monroe County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Lentils in Monroe County, IN?
In Monroe County, IN, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 12) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, IN for Lentils?
Monroe 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 Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 12 and first frost around October 20.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe 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.