Lentils (Lens culinaris) are hardy, cool-season legumes that offer home gardeners a rewarding crop. As a member of the Fabaceae family, the lentil plant naturally fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, benefiting the entire garden ecosystem. These plants are relatively low-maintenance once established, producing protein-rich seeds within small, flat pods. Growing lentils from seed allows a gardener to cultivate a resilient food source that thrives where many other vegetables might struggle.
Selecting the Site and Preparing the Soil
Lentils require a location that receives full sun (six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily) to promote robust flowering and pod development. They are a cool-season crop, performing best when planted early enough to mature before sustained temperatures exceed 80°F, which can cause flowers to drop prematurely. The ideal planting site must have well-drained soil, as the plants are intolerant of standing water that leads to root rot.
A loamy or sandy soil structure is preferred, offering the loose texture necessary for healthy root growth and nodule formation. The soil pH should fall within the neutral range of 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal nutrient uptake. Since lentils fix their own nitrogen, the soil should be low in nitrogen; fresh manure should be avoided, as excessive nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of seed production. Instead, amend the soil with phosphorus and potassium, which support root development and abundant pod set.
Planting the Seeds
Sow lentil seeds in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable, often two to three weeks before the final expected frost date. Lentils are best direct-sown rather than started indoors, as transplanting can damage their sensitive taproots. For optimal nitrogen fixation, treat the seeds with a specific Rhizobium leguminosarum inoculant just before planting. This beneficial bacteria ensures the roots develop the nodules necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen.
Sow the seeds at a shallow depth of 1 to 1.5 inches, ensuring firm contact with the soil to encourage uniform germination. Tight spacing is preferred, planting seeds 2 to 5 inches apart within the row. This density helps the naturally weak, semi-vining stems support one another as they grow, reducing the need for staking. Rows should be spaced 6 to 18 inches apart to allow for weeding and air circulation.
Caring for the Growing Plants
Once the seedlings emerge, care focuses on consistent moisture to support pod development. While lentils are drought-tolerant once established, they benefit from consistent watering, especially as they begin to flower and form pods. Aim for about one inch of water per week, but reduce watering significantly as the plants begin to yellow near the end of the growing cycle. Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to fungal diseases like root rot or powdery mildew.
Managing weeds is important during the early stages, as lentil seedlings are poor competitors for light and nutrients. Weeding should be done shallowly and carefully to prevent disturbing the surface feeder roots and nitrogen-fixing nodules. Watch for pests like aphids, which can be managed with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap. If the plants grow taller than 18 inches, they may benefit from a low trellis or light staking to prevent sprawling.
Harvesting and Storing Lentils
Lentils are ready for harvest between 80 and 110 days after planting. The ideal time to harvest is when the foliage has mostly turned yellow and brown, and the pods at the base of the plant are dry and rattle when shaken. Waiting for the top pods to dry completely risks the lower pods shattering and scattering seeds onto the ground.
The most efficient method is to cut or pull the entire plant from the soil when the majority of the pods are dry. Move the harvested plants to a protected, dry location, such as a garage or shed, to cure for one to two weeks. This curing process allows any remaining green pods to dry fully.
Threshing involves separating the dried seeds from the pods, typically by gently crushing the dried plants inside a sack or walking over them. The final step is winnowing, which separates the heavier lentils from the lighter chaff by pouring the mixture between two containers in front of a light breeze or fan. Store the finished, dry lentils in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry location, where they can maintain quality for 10 to 12 months.