How to Grow Lentils: A Simple Guide for Beginners
So, you’re thinking about how to grow lentils? Good choice , These little legumes are packed with protein, super easy to grow, and can turn your backyard into a mini food factory. Plus, growing your own lentils means you’ll never have to wonder what’s in your food—because you’re in charge .
Let’s break it down step by step so you can get your lentil game going. Don’t worry—I’ll keep things simple, and I promise no fancy gardening jargon that makes you want to give up before you even start.
Why Grow Lentils?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why lentils deserve a spot in your garden.
- Nutritional Powerhouse – Lentils are loaded with protein, fiber, and iron. Great if you’re vegetarian or just want to eat healthier.
- Fixes Soil, Saves Money – Lentils, like other legumes, fix nitrogen in the soil, which means they naturally improve your dirt without expensive fertilizers.
- Low Maintenance – You don’t need to be a gardening pro to grow them. They handle dry conditions better than most plants.
- Space-Savers – You don’t need a massive farm to grow lentils. A small garden bed or even large pots can do the trick.
Convinced? Alright, let’s get our hands dirty.
How to Grow Lentils: Picking the Right Lentil Variety
Not all lentils are the same, and some grow better in certain conditions. Here are the main types:
- Green Lentils – Classic and versatile, they grow well in most climates.
- Brown Lentils – Hardy and earthy-flavored, great for soups.
- Red/Yellow Lentils – Softer and quicker to cook, commonly used in Indian dal.
- Black Lentils – Tiny, look like caviar, and packed with protein.
Most store-bought lentils won’t sprout, so get lentil seeds from a garden center or seed supplier.
How to Grow Lentils: Choosing the Right Spot
Lentils love full sun and well-draining soil. If your soil stays soggy for too long, your lentil plants will complain .
- Sunlight: Aim for at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. No shady business here.
- Soil: Lentils do best in sandy or loamy soil with good drainage. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some compost or sand to lighten it up.
- pH Level: Lentils like slightly neutral to alkaline soil (pH 6.0-7.5). You can test your soil with a simple kit from a garden store.
How to Grow Lentils: Planting Lentils
Lentils are a cool-season crop, meaning they prefer spring or fall planting. If you’re in a warmer climate, plant them in late fall for a winter crop.
How to Plant Lentils:
- Prep the soil – Remove weeds, loosen the soil, and mix in compost. No need for extra nitrogen fertilizer—lentils make their own .
- Sow the seeds – Plant lentil seeds about 1 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in rows. If growing in pots, give each plant at least 6 inches of space.
- Water lightly – Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet. Once they sprout (in about 10 days), cut back on watering.
How to Grow Lentils: Caring for Your Lentil Plants
Lentils are independent little plants. They don’t need much, but a little care goes a long way.
- Watering: Water once a week unless you’re in a dry area—then maybe twice. Avoid overwatering .
- Weeding: Lentils hate competition. Pull weeds by hand or mulch around the plants to stop weeds from growing.
- Support: If you’re growing tall varieties, they might need small stakes or trellises to keep them from flopping over.
How to Grow Lentils: Harvesting Lentils
After about 90-110 days, your lentils will be ready to harvest. The plants will start to turn yellow, and the pods will dry out. Here’s how to tell if they’re ready:
- Shake the pods – If they rattle, they’re dry enough to pick.
- Test a seed – If you can dent it with your fingernail, let them dry longer. If it’s hard, it’s ready .
To harvest, simply pull up the entire plant and hang it upside down in a dry, shady place for a week or two. Then, shake or crush the pods to collect the lentils inside.
How to Grow Lentils: Storing Your Lentils
Now that you have fresh homegrown lentils, you need to store them properly.
- Dry them completely – If they’re not fully dry, they’ll mold. Yuck.
- Store in airtight containers – Glass jars or sealed bags work best.
- Keep them cool and dark – A pantry is perfect. Avoid humid areas.
Properly stored lentils can last up to a year—but let’s be honest, you’ll probably eat them way before that.
Common Lentil Growing Problems And How to Fix Them
- Plants turning yellow too early? Likely a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Ease up on watering.
- Pods not forming? Could be too much nitrogen in the soil. Lentils don’t need extra fertilizer.
- Aphids or pests? Spray with a mild soap solution or introduce ladybugs to your garden.
Final Thoughts
Growing lentils isn’t rocket science. If you can plant a seed and remember to water it now and then, you can grow lentils. They don’t ask for much but give back a whole lot—nutritious food, healthy soil, and a little gardening confidence.
So go ahead, grab some seeds, and start growing. You’ll be making homemade lentil soup from your own garden before you know it.
References:
- Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Lentil Crop Production Guide.”
- University of Minnesota Extension. “Legumes in the Home Garden.”
- Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). “Legume Cultivation and Soil Improvement.”
- Gardening Know How. “How to Grow Lentils in a Home Garden.
