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When to Plant Lentils in Burnet County, TX

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.

Burnet County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 259 days.

At an elevation of 1,090 feet, Burnet County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Lentils, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lentils root diseases.

Burnet County, TX (Zone 8b) Long season
259 days
Last Spring Frost March 6
259 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Burnet County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay

Soil pH

6.8-7.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Lentils

Lentils needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Lentils Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 6.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 9.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 10.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Burnet County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Lentils Planting Timeline — Burnet County, TX

Lentils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 30 Jan 30 – Feb 13
Transplant Outdoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Direct Sow February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 13
Harvest May 29 May 29 – Jul 10
Fall Sowing September 11 Sep 11 – Sep 25

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September Fall Sowing
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

259 days in Burnet County

Growing Tips for Burnet County

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

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Lentils in Burnet County, TX?

Burnet County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Burnet County, TX?

Burnet County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 20.

🌱

Your Burnet County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Burnet County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Burnet County, TX. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.