When to plant Lentils in Genesee County, MI
For Genesee County, gardeners: plant Lentils April 14 through May 5 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Genesee County, MI
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.
Genesee County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 1,023 feet, Genesee County receives approximately 39.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lentils to ensure they mature before fall.
Genesee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Genesee County, MI
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | July 21 | Jul 21 – Sep 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
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 | 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
172 days in Genesee County
Growing Tips for Genesee 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 Genesee County, MI?
Genesee County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Genesee County, MI?
Genesee County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Lentils in Genesee County, MI?
In Genesee County, MI, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Genesee County, MI for Lentils?
Genesee County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Lentils grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lentils grow in Genesee County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Genesee County's temperate climate. Genesee County averages a 172-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 17.
Your Genesee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Genesee County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.