When to Plant Lentils in Ravalli County, MT
Your May game plan for Ravalli County, Montana
Welcome to May in Zone 5b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Set out lentils seedlings
Pick a cloudy afternoon or evening to plant. Less transplant shock, and your seedlings will barely blink.
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Seed lentils outdoors
These tolerate cool soil, so you're not gambling by sowing now.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Ravalli County, Montana is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 122 days.
At an elevation of 7,813 feet, Ravalli County receives approximately 15.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lentils to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Lentils successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Ravalli County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.8
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 Ravalli County
How your county's soil matches Lentils's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.8) is within Lentils's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ravalli 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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.6" | 1.8" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.6" | 0.9" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.6" | 1.5" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.6" | 1.6" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.6" | 1.1" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Ravalli 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 — Ravalli County, MT
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 4 |
| Direct Sow | May 7 | May 7 – May 28 |
| Harvest | August 13 | Aug 13 – Sep 24 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.6"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
122 days in Ravalli County
Growing Tips for Lentils in Ravalli County
Direct sow Lentils outdoors after May 21 in Ravalli County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 122.0-day growing season in Ravalli County is tight for Lentils (80.0-110.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lentils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lentils in Ravalli County, MT?
Ravalli County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 21. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ravalli County, MT?
Ravalli County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 21 and first fall frost is September 20.
Your Ravalli County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ravalli County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.