When to Plant Lentils in Simcoe, ON
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.
Simcoe, Ontario is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 721 feet, Simcoe receives approximately 39.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Lentils to ensure they mature before fall. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lentils, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Simcoe Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Lentils Planting Timeline — Simcoe, ON
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | July 6 | Jul 6 – Aug 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
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
187 days in Simcoe
Growing Tips for Simcoe
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 Simcoe, ON?
Simcoe is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Simcoe, ON?
Simcoe, Ontario is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Simcoe Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Simcoe (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.