When to plant Lentils in Cooper County, MO
Cooper County gardeners should plant Lentils between March 27 and April 17 in spring. With Cooper County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 10), Lentils needs 80–110 days to mature — plant by July 7 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Lentils in Cooper County, MO
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.
Cooper County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 1,035 feet, Cooper County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Cooper County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Cooper County, MO
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 14 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
198 days in Cooper County
Growing Tips for Cooper 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
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Lentils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lentils in Cooper County, MO?
Cooper County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cooper County, MO?
Cooper County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Lentils in Cooper County, MO?
In Cooper County, MO, plant Lentils after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cooper County, MO for Lentils?
Cooper County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Lentils grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Lentils grow in Cooper County's climate?
Yes — Lentils grows well in Cooper County's temperate climate. Cooper County averages a 198-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 25.
Your Cooper County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cooper County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.