Growing Lentils in Your Backyard

Lentils are a nutritious and versatile food that can be used in various dishes. Growing your own lentils is not only cost-effective but also allows you to have control over the quality of the lentils you consume. By cultivating lentils at home, you can actively support sustainable urban agriculture practices, which optimize space and resources while promoting local food systems. Lentils are a cool-season crop that can be cultivated in various climates and require minimal maintenance once planted. With a little planning and patience, you can successfully grow your own lentils at home and enjoy the benefits of fresh, nutritious lentils in your meals.

Understanding Lentils - Lentils Information

Scientifically known as Lens culinaris, lentils are harvested for their edible seeds. They come in several varieties, including green and red lentils. One reason lentils are so popular is their high protein content. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a great choice for vegetarians and vegans. According to the USDA, 100 grams of dry lentils contains around 24 grams of protein, while boiled lentils contain around 18 g (according to the University of Rochester).

When growing lentils at home, selecting the right variety for your climate and soil type is essential. Green lentils thrive in cool-season environments with mild summers and cold winters, while red lentils prefer warmer climates. Furthermore, lentils contribute positively to soil health, as they are a nitrogen-fixing crop. This means they can extract nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form usable by plants, thereby improving soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Choosing the Right Environment - Planting Site for Lentils

Growing lentils at home can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to select the right environment for optimal growth. Lentils can be grown either in a garden or in containers, depending on your available space. If you have a garden, you can plant them directly in the ground. However, if you lack space, lentils can still thrive in containers that are at least 10 inches deep (25 cm) with drainage holes at the bottom. They require full sun and at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. When planting in a garden, you are advised to choose a south or east-facing area to maximize sunlight exposure. Lentils flourish best in cool climates, ideally at temperatures between 59 and 77°F (15°C and 25°C). If you live in a warm region, you may need to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day (intense sunlight radiation - high risk of sunburns in the plants).

Preparing the Soil

Preparing the soil is the foundational step in successfully growing lentils. Lentils thrive in well-drained, organic-rich soil. If your soil quality is poor, consider enhancing it by incorporating compost. Understanding your soil type is essential; sandy soils drain quickly, while loamy soils retain moisture better. If your garden has heavy clay soil, mixing in sand or other amendments can improve drainage.

To prepare your soil for planting lentils, you should start by clearing the area of any weeds and debris. Dig the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches (15 cm), incorporating organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility. You are advised to test the soil pH before planting (the optimum is between 6.0 and 7.5). If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime to raise the pH. On the contrary, if it's too alkaline, it is best that you incorporate sulfur to lower it. Finally, you can rake the soil to create a smooth surface that encourages seed germination.

Planting Lentils - When and How to Plant Lentils

Once you prepare the soil, it's time to plant your lentils. To ensure the best results, start by selecting high-quality seeds. Lentils are best planted in spring after the last frost date when soil temperatures exceed 41°F or 5°C.

For planting, you are advised to sow lentil seeds at a depth of 0.7 - 1.2 inches (2-3 cm), spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart in rows that are 11.7-15.7 inches (30-45 cm) apart. Following planting, you can water the soil thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture without oversaturation, which could lead to fungal diseases. Lentils prefer cool and moist conditions; thus, extra watering may be required to prevent drought stress during hot and dry weather.

Watering Requirements

Regular watering is essential, as lentil plants prefer moist, well-drained soil. Deeply water your lentil plants once a week, adjusting the frequency based on weather conditions. During hot and dry weather, you may need to water more frequently. Thinning is also important to promote healthy growth. When your lentil plants are about 2-3 inches tall, you should thin them to leave about 2-3 inches (5-7.62 cm) of space between each plant to prevent overcrowding and enhance air circulation.

Frost Tolerance and Sunlight Needs

Lentil plants can tolerate light frost but are not frost-resistant. If you live in a colder area, it is advised to plant your lentils in the spring or early summer, and cover them with frost cloth if frost is expected. You should ensure that they receive full sunlight, planting them in locations with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. In hot climates, providing some shade during peak sunlight hours can be beneficial.

Fertilization needs

When fertilizing lentils, the most important step is to add compost to the soil before planting. To maintain healthy lentil plants, you should fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. It is best that you remove any weeds that compete for nutrients and water, and keep an eye out for pests and diseases, taking appropriate action if you notice any issues.

How to Manage Pests

Being aware of potential pests and diseases is crucial for a successful lentil harvest. Common pests include:

Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from plants. You can control them by spraying with water, using insecticidal soap, or introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
Weevils: Beetles that feed on lentil seeds. You can store lentils in airtight containers and freeze them to eliminate weevil eggs.
Thrips: Small insects causing stunted growth. You are advised to control them with insecticidal soap and by removing weeds that may harbor them.
Lygus Bugs: Insects that feed on buds and pods. You can use insecticidal soap and natural predators to manage their populations.
Wireworms and Maggots: Larvae that damage seeds and seedlings. You are advised to rotate crops and apply nematodes to control these pests.

Harvesting Lentils

Lentils are typically ready for harvest about 100 days after planting when the pods turn brown. Before harvesting, it is considered a best practice to reduce watering to promote drying. You can pull the plants from the ground and lay them flat in a sunny, dry area to dry. Once fully dried, you can crack open the pods to extract the lentils and store them in a cool, dry place.

Interesting Information

Growing Lentil Sprouts

You can also grow lentils as sprouts or microgreens, which are packed with protein and add a delightful crunch to salads or sandwiches. You are advised to soak the seeds in water for 12 hours, drain, and then cover them in the jar for another 12 hours. You should continue rinsing and draining every 12 hours until you see little tails sprouting.

At this point, you can either store them in the fridge for up to a week or grow them further in soil. To grow microgreens, you should place half an inch of soilless seed mixture in a tray, then add the sprouted lentils, and lightly cover with more mix. It is best to keep the soil consistently moist and allow the greens to grow until they reach a few inches in height. Once they've grown, they're ready to be eaten or transplanted into the garden.