When to plant Lentils in Rush County, KS
For Lentils in Rush County, the safe spring window opens around April 10 and closes around May 1. Last expected frost is April 24, first fall frost October 15, giving a 174-day growing season. A second sowing from August 6 to August 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Rush County, KS
This month in Rush County, Kansas
Welcome to August in Zone 6b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Basket week: lentils
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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Direct-sow lentils for cool weather
A row cover ready in the garage extends your harvest by weeks once the nights turn cold.
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.
Rush County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 759 feet, Rush County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Rush County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.3
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 Rush County
How your county's soil matches Lentils's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.3) is within Lentils's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rush County is excellent for Lentils — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Lentils.
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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 06.
Lentils Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 2.1" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 2.1" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.6" | 1.5" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Rush 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 — Rush County, KS
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Aug 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
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 | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Rush County
Growing Tips for Lentils in Rush County
Direct sow Lentils outdoors after April 24 in Rush 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 Rush County, KS?
Rush County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rush County, KS?
Rush County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Lentils in Rush County, KS?
In Rush County, KS, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rush County, KS for Lentils?
Rush 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 Rush County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Rush County's temperate climate. Rush County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 15.
Your Rush County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rush 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.