How To Grow Lentils: A Guide To Lentil Gardening
Growing Lentils
Lentils are a type of edible legume commonly used in cooking. They are highly nutritious, providing fibre, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, and can be cooked in many delicious and versatile ways, making them a popular choice for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking for a healthy, affordable, filling meal option.
Cheatsheet: Lentil Gardening
Choose the Right Variety:
✅ Consider your climate and soil type to select a suitable lentil variety.
Prepare the Soil:
✅ Ensure well-draining soil, pH between 6-7, and rich in organic matter.
Sow Lentil Seeds:
✅ Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 4-6 inches apart, in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart.
Provide Adequate Sunlight:
✅ Lentils thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Water Regularly:
✅ Keep soil evenly moist during the growing season, aiming for 1 inch of water per week.
Harvest at the Right Time:
✅ Lentils are ready to harvest when pods turn yellowish-brown and seeds rattle inside.
Maximize Nutrition:
✅ Lentils are a great source of protein, fiber, iron, and B vitamins - promoting heart health and digestion.
Store for Self-Sufficiency:
✅ Dried lentils can be stored in airtight containers for up to 1 year, ensuring a sustainable food source.
How to Grow Lentils: A Guide to Lentil Gardening
Lentils are one of those crops that feel almost too good to be true. Easy to grow, deeply nutritious, and surprisingly versatile, they’re the backbone of countless dishes and a quiet powerhouse in the garden.
The first time I grew lentils, it was an experiment born from curiosity rather than any real plan. I wound up with lush, feathery plants dotted with small pods—and eventually a healthy pile of earthy, protein-packed legumes. There’s something deeply satisfying about growing a crop that’s been feeding humanity for thousands of years.
Why Growing Lentils Is Worth the Effort
Lentils aren’t just for your pantry; they’re also a gift to your soil. As members of the legume family, they fix nitrogen in the ground, leaving it richer and more fertile. This makes them a win-win for gardeners looking to balance productivity with long-term soil health.
They’re surprisingly low maintenance and thrive in spots where other crops might struggle. That said, lentils reward careful attention, even if they don’t demand much.
Lentils yield about 1-1.5 pounds per 100 square feet. You don’t need a farm; a small patch in the yard will suffice.
Choosing the Right Spot and Preparing the Soil
Lentils thrive in full sun, so find a spot where they’ll bask all day long. They prefer sandy or loamy soils with good drainage, but I’ve seen them make do with less-than-perfect conditions.
If your soil feels heavy, work in some compost or well-rotted manure. Keep it loose and crumbly—lentils don’t love compacted ground. The pH should be somewhere between 6.0 and 6.5 for optimal growth, so test your soil if you haven’t in a while.
Planting Lentils: Timing and Technique
When to Plant
Start lentils early in the season, as they prefer cooler weather. I usually get mine in the ground about 2 weeks before the last frost date. They don’t mind a little chill as long as the soil temperature is at least 40°F.
How to Plant
Soak your seeds overnight before planting to help with germination. This step isn’t mandatory but can encourage faster sprouting.
Sow seeds about 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart, spacing rows 6 inches apart if you’re working with a bed. For smaller gardens, tuck them into containers but make sure they have room to spread a little.
Caring for Lentils: Watering and Weeding
Moderation is key when watering lentils. They appreciate moisture but hate wet feet. Overwatering can rot their roots faster than you’d expect. Water deeply during dry spells, but let the soil almost dry out between watering sessions.
Because lentils take their time to grow, weeds can become an issue if you’re not on top of them. Hand pull them early, or put down a layer of mulch to smother unwanted growth.
Supporting Those Delicate Stalks
Lentil plants aren’t tall (usually about 12–18 inches), but their stems are fragile and may flop under the weight of pods. Consider a low trellis or staking them lightly, especially if you’re working in a windy area. I once had a row topple in a rainstorm because I got complacent—lesson learned.
Harvesting Lentils
Lentils are ready to harvest when the pods turn yellow or brown and feel dry to the touch. This usually happens 80–110 days after planting, depending on the variety.
Pick the pods before they start splitting or spilling their seeds, which they’ll gladly do if you wait too long. I like to spread harvested pods out in a single layer for a few days to fully dry before shelling them by hand.
What to Do With Lentil Plants Post-Harvest
Don’t toss those plant remnants! Chop them up and work them into your compost pile, or leave the roots in the soil where they’ll continue enriching it with nitrogen as they decompose.
Why Save Your Own Seeds?
Once you grow lentils, it’s hard to go back to store-bought varieties. Save seeds from your healthiest plants to maintain a self-reliant cycle for future seasons. It’s as simple as drying and storing leftover seeds in a cool, dark place until next spring.
Saving seeds from heritage varieties is also an excellent way to preserve genetic diversity in your garden.
Growing lentils wraps practicality and satisfaction into one tidy crop. There’s something timeless about the ritual: good soil, humble plants, and a harvest that speaks of both simplicity and abundance. Wouldn’t you agree?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I grow lentils in my garden?
Yes, lentils can be grown in most gardens as long as there is enough sunlight and well-draining soil.
2. When is the best time to plant lentils?
The ideal time to plant lentils is in early spring when the soil temperature reaches around 60°F (15°C).
3. How do I prepare the soil for growing lentils?
Loosen the soil and remove any weeds or debris. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility.
4. Do I need to provide support for my lentil plants?
No, lentil plants typically do not require support as they have a short stature and can support themselves.
5. How often should I water lentil plants?
Water lentil plants deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
6. Can lentils tolerate frost?
Yes, lentil plants are frost-tolerant and can withstand mild frost. However, it's best to avoid severe frost.
7. How long does it take for lentils to mature?
Lentils usually take about 80-110 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety.
8. How do I harvest lentils?
Wait until the lentil pods turn brown and dry before harvesting. Remove the pods and thresh them to collect the seeds.
9. Should I save lentil seeds for next year's planting?
Yes, you can save lentil seeds for next year's planting. Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
10. Are lentils susceptible to any pests or diseases?
Lentils may be affected by aphids, powdery mildew, and fungal diseases. Monitor your plants closely and take appropriate action if needed.
Lentils are a great addition to any diet because they are high in protein and a range of essential vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates that help to keep you full for longer, regulate your blood sugar, and aid digestion. Furthermore, lentils are low in fat and calories, making them an ideal ingredient to incorporate into a variety of dishes.
Find out which plants will thrive in your garden!
Answer a few fun questions and get custom plant recommendations perfect for your space. Let’s grow something amazing together!
start your season