When to plant Lentils in Anne Arundel County County,
For Lentils in Anne Arundel County County, the safe spring window opens around March 20 and closes around April 10. Last expected frost is April 3, first fall frost November 3, giving a 214-day growing season. A second sowing from August 25 to September 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Anne Arundel County, MD
Your June planting checklist for Anne Arundel County, Maryland
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
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It's harvest week for lentils
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Anne Arundel County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.
At an elevation of 435 feet, Anne Arundel County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Anne Arundel County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 Anne Arundel County
How your county's soil matches Lentils's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Lentils's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Anne Arundel County is excellent for Lentils — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). 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 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 25.
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 | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.6" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Anne Arundel 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 — Anne Arundel County, MD
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
214 days in Anne Arundel County
Growing Tips for Lentils in Anne Arundel County
Direct sow Lentils outdoors after April 03 in Anne Arundel 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 Anne Arundel County, MD?
Anne Arundel County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Anne Arundel County, MD?
Anne Arundel County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is November 3.
When should I plant Lentils in Anne Arundel County County, ?
In Anne Arundel County County, , plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 3) and before the first frost (around November 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Anne Arundel County County, for Lentils?
Anne Arundel County County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Lentils grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lentils grow in Anne Arundel County County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Anne Arundel County County's temperate climate. Anne Arundel County County averages a 214-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 3 and first frost around November 3.
Your Anne Arundel County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Anne Arundel County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.