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When to plant Lentils in Faribault County, MN

Faribault County's spring Lentils window runs April 16 through May 7. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from July 26 to August 9 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lentils in Faribault 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.

Faribault County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.

At an elevation of 506 feet, Faribault County receives approximately 41.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lentils to ensure they mature before fall.

Faribault County, MN (Zone 5a) Moderate season
157 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
157 growing days
First Fall Frost October 4

Faribault County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lentils

Lentils needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lentils Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Faribault County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lentils Planting Timeline — Faribault County, MN

Lentils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 – Sep 3
Fall Sowing July 26 Jul 26 – Aug 9

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing 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 5a

📆 Growing Season

157 days in Faribault County

Growing Tips for Faribault 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 Faribault County, MN?

Faribault County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Faribault County, MN?

Faribault County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 4.

When should I plant Lentils in Faribault County, MN?

In Faribault County, MN, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Faribault County, MN for Lentils?

Faribault County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Lentils grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lentils grow in Faribault County's climate?

Yes — Lentils grows well in Faribault County's temperate climate. Faribault County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 4.

🌱

Your Faribault County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Faribault County (Zone 5a). 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 Faribault County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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