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When to Plant Lentils in Snohomish County, WA

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.

Snohomish County, Washington is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 222 days.

At an elevation of 230 feet, Snohomish County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Lentils root diseases.

Snohomish County, WA (Zone 8b) Long season
222 days
Last Spring Frost March 25
222 growing days
First Fall Frost November 2

Snohomish County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.8

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 7.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 8.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Lentils Planting Timeline — Snohomish County, WA

Lentils Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 4
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Direct Sow March 11 Mar 11 – Apr 1
Harvest June 17 Jun 17 – Jul 29
Fall Sowing August 24 Aug 24 – Sep 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

222 days in Snohomish County

Growing Tips for Snohomish 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 Snohomish County, WA?

Snohomish County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 25. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Snohomish County, WA?

Snohomish County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 25 and first fall frost is November 2.

🌱

Your Snohomish County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Snohomish 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 Snohomish County, WA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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