When to Plant Lentils in Reynolds County, MO
Top priorities for Reynolds County, Missouri gardeners in April
April is a pivotal month for Reynolds County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Plant out lentils
Frost risk is low now in Reynolds County, Missouri. If you've been covering beds overnight, you can stop.
Get ahead of May
- Starting indoors: lentils
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.
Reynolds County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 634 feet, Reynolds County receives approximately 34.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Reynolds County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Reynolds County
How your county's soil matches Lentils's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Lentils's range (6.0–8.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Reynolds County is excellent for Lentils — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Lentils.
How to Plant Lentils
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Lentils
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 06 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 15.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Lentils
Lentils needs approximately 0.6 inches of water per week (2.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Lentils Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 2.4" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Reynolds County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lentils Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Lentils Planting Timeline — Reynolds 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 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
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
0.6"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
80–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Reynolds County
Growing Tips for Lentils in Reynolds County
Direct sow Lentils outdoors after April 10 in Reynolds County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Lentils in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
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 Reynolds County, MO?
Reynolds 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 Reynolds County, MO?
Reynolds County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Reynolds County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Reynolds 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.