When to Plant Lentils in Walla Walla 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.
Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 3,151 feet, Walla Walla County receives approximately 23.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Lentils during the growing season.
Walla Walla County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.4
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 | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Walla Walla County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Lentils Planting Timeline — Walla Walla County, WA
Lentils Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
178 days in Walla Walla County
Growing Tips for Walla Walla 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Lentils in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lentils in Walla Walla County, WA?
Walla Walla County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Lentils planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Walla Walla County, WA?
Walla Walla County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 15.
Your Walla Walla County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Walla Walla County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.