When to plant Lentils in Sullivan County, IN
Lentils planted in Sullivan County between April 4 and April 25 matures in 80–110 days — well before the October 17 first frost. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Sullivan County, IN
July to-do list for Sullivan County, Indiana
Your garden in Sullivan County, Indiana is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this July.
-
It's harvest week for lentils
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: lentils
- Fall sowing: lentils
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.
Sullivan County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 914 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 34.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Sullivan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Sullivan County
How your county's soil matches Lentils's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.0) is within Lentils's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Sullivan County is excellent for Lentils — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — Lentils will thrive.
How to Plant Lentils
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Lentils
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
Lentils Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lentils
Lentils needs approximately 0.6 inches of water per week (2.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lentils Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Sullivan County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lentils Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lentils Planting Timeline — Sullivan County, IN
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Aug 22 |
| 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
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Sullivan County
Growing Tips for Lentils in Sullivan County
Direct sow Lentils outdoors after April 18 in Sullivan County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lentils in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Sullivan County, IN?
Sullivan County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sullivan County, IN?
Sullivan County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Lentils in Sullivan County, IN?
In Sullivan County, IN, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Sullivan County, IN for Lentils?
Sullivan 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 Sullivan County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Sullivan County's temperate climate. Sullivan County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 17.
Your Sullivan County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Sullivan 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.