When to Plant Lentils in Angelina County, TX
Your May game plan for Angelina County, Texas
A quick May briefing for Angelina County, Texas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Pick lentils
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- First harvests: 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.
Angelina County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.
At an elevation of 32 feet, Angelina County receives approximately 63.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Lentils may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Lentils will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lentils root diseases.
Angelina County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.6
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 Angelina County
How your county's soil matches Lentils's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.6) is more acidic than Lentils prefers (6.0–8.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Angelina County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Lentils will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Lentils.
How to Plant Lentils
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Lentils
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 21.
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.6" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.6" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.6" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.6" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.6" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.6" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.6" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.6" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.6" | 1.9" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Angelina 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 — Angelina County, TX
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Direct Sow | February 12 | Feb 12 – Mar 5 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | September 21 | Sep 21 – Oct 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
256 days in Angelina County
Growing Tips for Lentils in Angelina County
Direct sow Lentils outdoors after March 05 in Angelina County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Angelina County dries quickly — mulch Lentils with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Angelina County, TX?
Angelina County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 5. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Angelina County, TX?
Angelina County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 5 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Angelina County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Angelina County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.