When to plant Lentils in Franklin County, MA
Plant Lentils in Franklin County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 25. Continue planting through May 16 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Franklin County, MA
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.
Franklin County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
At an elevation of 1,016 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 42.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Franklin County, MA
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | August 1 | Aug 1 – Sep 12 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
155 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, MA?
Franklin County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, MA?
Franklin County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Lentils in Franklin County, MA?
In Franklin County, MA, plant Lentils after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, MA for Lentils?
Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Lentils grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lentils grow in Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 155-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 11.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.