When to Plant Lentils in Wallowa County, OR
This month in Wallowa County, Oregon
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Wallowa County, Oregon.
-
Move lentils into the garden
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Wallowa County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 1,240 feet, Wallowa County receives approximately 22.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Wallowa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.2
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 Wallowa County
How your county's soil matches Lentils's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.3–6.2) is more acidic than Lentils prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wallowa County is excellent for Lentils — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Lentils.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.4%) — Lentils will thrive.
How to Plant Lentils
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.6" | 1.3" | 1.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.6" | 1" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.6" | 0.4" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.6" | 0.4" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.6" | 1" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Wallowa 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 — Wallowa County, OR
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | August 3 | Aug 3 – Sep 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
134 days in Wallowa County
Growing Tips for Lentils in Wallowa County
Direct sow Lentils outdoors after May 11 in Wallowa 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 Wallowa County, OR?
Wallowa County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wallowa County, OR?
Wallowa County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 22.
Your Wallowa County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wallowa 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.