When to plant Lentils in Calhoun County, IA
For Calhoun County, gardeners: plant Lentils April 11 through May 2 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Calhoun County, IA
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.
Calhoun County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 1,052 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 30.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lentils to ensure they mature before fall.
Calhoun County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Calhoun County, IA
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Harvest | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 29 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
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 Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
164 days in Calhoun County
Growing Tips for Calhoun 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 Calhoun County, IA?
Calhoun County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calhoun County, IA?
Calhoun County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Lentils in Calhoun County, IA?
In Calhoun County, IA, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 25) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Calhoun County, IA for Lentils?
Calhoun County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Lentils grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lentils grow in Calhoun County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Calhoun County's temperate climate. Calhoun County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 25 and first frost around October 6.
Your Calhoun County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Calhoun County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.