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When to plant Lentils in Scott County, MN

Plant Lentils in Scott County after April 24; the prime window is April 17–May 8. A second sowing from July 17 to July 31 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Lentils in Scott 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.

Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 168 days.

At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Scott County receives approximately 39.8 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.

Scott County, MN (Zone 4b) Moderate season
168 days
Last Spring Frost April 24
168 growing days
First Fall Frost October 9

Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Lentils Planting Timeline — Scott County, MN

Lentils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 – May 8
Harvest July 17 Jul 17 – Aug 28
Fall Sowing July 17 Jul 17 – Jul 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September
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 4b

📆 Growing Season

168 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott 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 Scott County, MN?

Scott County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, MN?

Scott County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 9.

When should I plant Lentils in Scott County, MN?

In Scott County, MN, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Scott County, MN for Lentils?

Scott County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Lentils grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Lentils grow in Scott County's climate?

Yes — Lentils grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 168-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 9.

🌱

Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Scott County (Zone 4b). 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 Scott County, MN. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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