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When to plant Lentils in Jackson County, KY

Jackson County's climate puts the Lentils spring window between April 3 and April 24. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 14 to August 28 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lentils in Jackson County, KY

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.

Jackson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.

At an elevation of 1,120 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lentils root diseases.

Jackson County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
189 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
189 growing days
First Fall Frost October 23

Jackson County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lentils Planting Timeline — Jackson County, KY

Lentils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 24
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Aug 21
Fall Sowing August 14 Aug 14 – Aug 28

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

80–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6b

📆 Growing Season

189 days in Jackson County

Growing Tips for Jackson 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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lentils in Jackson County, KY?

Jackson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Jackson County, KY?

Jackson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 23.

When should I plant Lentils in Jackson County, KY?

In Jackson County, KY, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Jackson County, KY for Lentils?

Jackson 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 Jackson County's climate?

Yes — Lentils grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 23.

🌱

Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Jackson County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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