Lentils (Lentil) are relatively easy to grow and can produce a good harvest in cool weather.
How to Grow Lentils
1. Choose the Right Time
- Plant lentils in early spring after the danger of severe frost has passed.
- They grow best in temperatures between 10°C and 25°C (50°F–77°F).
2. Select a Suitable Location
- Choose a spot with full sun (at least 6–8 hours daily).
- Use well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
3. Prepare the Soil
- Remove weeds and loosen the soil to a depth of about 15–20 cm (6–8 inches).
- Mix in compost if the soil is poor, but avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
4. Plant the Seeds
- Sow seeds directly into the garden.
- Plant seeds 2–3 cm (1 inch) deep.
- Space seeds 5 cm (2 inches) apart in rows 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart.
5. Watering
- Keep the soil evenly moist during germination.
- Once established, lentils are fairly drought-tolerant and need only moderate watering.
6. Care During Growth
- Keep weeds under control, especially when plants are young.
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root diseases.
- Lentils usually do not need staking, though some varieties may benefit from light support.
7. Harvesting
- Lentils are ready to harvest about 80–110 days after planting.
- Harvest when the lower pods turn brown and dry.
- Pull up the plants and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Once fully dry, thresh the pods to remove the seeds.
Growing Lentils in Containers
- Use a container at least 20 cm (8 inches) deep with drainage holes.
- Place it in full sun and follow the same watering and spacing guidelines.
Tips for Success
- Rotate crops each year to reduce disease problems.
- Avoid planting lentils where beans or peas were recently grown.
- Harvest before heavy rains if possible to prevent seed damage.