When to Plant Lentils in Woods County, OK
Your May gardening checklist
Your Woods County, Oklahoma garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Start lentils indoors
These need a head start before your last frost (April 12). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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.
Woods County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 882 feet, Woods County receives approximately 23.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Woods County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Woods County
How your county's soil matches Lentils's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is within Lentils's preferred range (6.0–8.0).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Woods County is excellent for Lentils — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). 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 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.6" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 1.9" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.6" | 1.7" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Woods 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 — Woods County, OK
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Aug 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–8 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
197 days in Woods County
Growing Tips for Lentils in Woods County
Direct sow Lentils outdoors after April 12 in Woods 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 Woods County, OK?
Woods County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Woods County, OK?
Woods County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Woods County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Woods County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.