When to Plant Lentils in Fulton County, KY
May in Fulton County, Kentucky — your action list
Each item below is timed to Fulton County, Kentucky's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Indoor seed-starting week for lentils
These need a head start before your last frost (March 30). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: 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.
Fulton County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 3,261 feet, Fulton County receives approximately 42.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Fulton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Fulton County
How your county's soil matches Lentils's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Lentils's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Fulton County is excellent for Lentils — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). 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 Jul 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 22.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.6" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.4" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Fulton 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 — Fulton County, KY
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 3 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Fulton County
Growing Tips for Lentils in Fulton County
Direct sow Lentils outdoors after March 30 in Fulton 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 Fulton County, KY?
Fulton County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fulton County, KY?
Fulton County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Fulton County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fulton County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.