When to plant Lentils in Cook County, MN
Cook County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Plant Lentils between May 13 (after last frost on May 20) and June 3. A second sowing from July 7 to July 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Cook County, MN
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.
Cook County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.
At an elevation of 1,068 feet, Cook County receives approximately 34.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lentils to ensure they mature before fall.
Cook County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Cook County, MN
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Direct Sow | May 13 | May 13 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | August 12 | Aug 12 – Sep 23 |
| Fall Sowing | July 7 | Jul 7 – Jul 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | 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 3b
📆 Growing Season
132 days in Cook County
Growing Tips for Cook 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 Cook County, MN?
Cook County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 20. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cook County, MN?
Cook County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 20 and first fall frost is September 29.
When should I plant Lentils in Cook County, MN?
In Cook County, MN, plant Lentils after the last frost (around May 20) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cook County, MN for Lentils?
Cook County sits in USDA Zone 3b. Lentils grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lentils grow in Cook County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Cook County's temperate climate. Cook County averages a 132-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 20 and first frost around September 29.
Your Cook County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cook County (Zone 3b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.