When to plant Lentils in Washington County, MN
Aim to plant Lentils in Washington County on or after April 9; the window stays open through April 30. Washington County's 169-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Washington 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.
Washington County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 832 feet, Washington County receives approximately 30.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Washington County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Washington County, MN
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 30 |
| Harvest | July 16 | Jul 16 – Aug 27 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
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 |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
169 days in Washington County
Growing Tips for Washington 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 Washington County, MN?
Washington County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washington County, MN?
Washington County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Lentils in Washington County, MN?
In Washington County, MN, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Washington County, MN for Lentils?
Washington 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 Washington County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Washington County's temperate climate. Washington County averages a 169-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 9.
Your Washington County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Washington 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.