How to Grow Lentils

Lentils are a “superfood” that can provide a rich source of protein. Luckily for potential gardeners, this plant is also fairly easy to grow and care for. Start with quality seeds or dried lentils. Plant beans in pots or in the garden in a location that gets plenty of sun and water. The hope is that you can harvest in about 100 days. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Table of Contents

Choose a place to grow lentils

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Buy seeds or dried lentils. Packaged lentil seeds can be difficult to find at gardening centers. Perhaps you have to go to a professional gardening supply or buy from an online organic seed supplier. However, for growing purposes, any whole, dried lentils sold at the grocery store will do. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Shelled lentils will not be planted. You need to buy lentils with their skins on.

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Wash and sort the seeds. Pour the lentils into the basket and rinse with water. Pick up seeds that are broken, cracked or discolored. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Sow plants in early spring. Lentils grow well in the cool and clear weather of March. Plants will mature during the summer when temperatures are high. In order for the seed to survive, the temperature in the soil must be at least 4 degrees Celsius when sowing. If the frost comes after the plants have grown, don’t worry too much, because most seedlings are likely to survive, even if they have to regrow from the roots. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

If you want more flexibility, you can grow lentils indoors, as long as the room temperature is maintained around 20 degrees Celsius. During the cold season, many people use indoor grow lights to create stable temperature. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

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Choose a sunny and well-drained location. Lentils can grow well both in the garden and in pots. It is essential that the plant is provided with enough full sun. You can plant the head of the mausoleum with low-growing plants because the tree will not be shaded. Make sure the soil is moist but the ground does not stagnate, as the roots will rot if the soil is waterlogged. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

If you want to grow lentils in a pot, you need to choose a pot that is at least 20 cm deep for maximum root growth. ^{[7] X Research Sources}
If you’re concerned about acidity or alkalinity in your soil, you can purchase a pH test kit from a garden supply store. Lentils grow well in soil with a pH between 6 and 6.5.

Growing lentils

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Pre-treatment with a preventive preparation. Before sowing the seeds, sprinkle or spray the lentil seeds with a mixture of beneficial bacteria purchased at the gardening store. The type of preventive preparations used for legumes are generally acceptable. This pre-treatment helps the lentil seeds develop root nodules or elongate the roots. This will help increase the plant’s resistance to weather changes and increase the yield. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

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Sow the seeds to a depth of at least 2.5 cm. If the soil is moist and good, you can sow to a depth of 2.5 cm. If the soil is dry on the surface, you should sow the seeds to a maximum depth of 6.5 cm. Do not plant seeds deeper than this distance, as lentil seeds will not germinate if buried too deep. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Sow the seeds at the right distance. When growing in pots, you should try to sow lentil seeds at least 2.5 cm apart. If planting in rows, you should also follow the instructions above and keep a distance of 15 cm between rows. This planting density allows you to harvest 450 grams of seeds/30 square meters. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Caring for lentil plants

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Make scaffolding for mature plants. The full size lentil plant can grow up to 76 cm tall. If the plants are toppled, their flowers and fruit can be damaged or hit the ground. You should build a low trellis to support and wrap the plant through the openings in the truss, or you can use fabric string to tie the lentil plant to bamboo poles. ^{[11] X Research Source}

If you want to make a truss quickly, you can find some bamboo poles. Stick the stake in the ground near the lentil plant. Use fabric string to tie the tree to the stake, then connect the stakes together with fabric or nylon rope. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Water the plant twice a week. Like other heat-loving plants, lentils are quite drought tolerant. But they will grow best if watered sufficiently. When you press into the ground with your finger, you should feel the moisture, but the water does not rise to the ground where it was pressed. ^{[13] X Research Source}

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Regularly pull out weeds and remove plants. Weed species can overwhelm and kill lentil plants very quickly. To prevent this, spend time each week weeding in the planting area. If the lentil plants are crowded together, you should also remove the plants by the way to ensure a good harvest. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Good air circulation also helps reduce the risk of fungal infections and other diseases that breed in stagnant soil.

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Elimination of pests. Tiny, pear-shaped and sap-sucking bugs, also known as aphids, are often attracted to lentils and may eat them. If you see them, use a spray bottle or hose to spray them down. If cereal weevils appear on plants, you must promptly uproot the infected plants and throw them away. ^{[15] X Research Source}

If the lentil growing area is invaded by animals, you can make a protective fence or put a light net over the plants.

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You can harvest lentils 80-100 days after planting. Walk through the lentil beds and cut close to the base of the fruit trees, when shaken, you will hear a crunching sound in the lower third of the fruit. These plants can also turn yellow-brown. Then, you peel the fruit to get the seeds inside. Let dry a bit before washing. ^{[16] X Research Source}

You can store your harvested lentils in an airtight jar until you need them.

Advice

There are many recipes using lentils, including many delicious soups and salads. Lentils can also be used to improve soil by grinding and mixing them into the soil before planting.

Warning

Lentils grow best when planted with cucumbers or other summer crops. Avoid planting lentils next to plants with strong odors such as onions or garlic, as these can affect the flavor of the lentils. ^{[17] X Research Source}

Steps

Choose a place to grow lentils

Growing lentils

Caring for lentil plants

Advice

Warning

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