Holly's Homestead — Legume
Lentils
Lens culinaris · Legume family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown, cool season
MATURITY 80–110 days
TYPE Annual, direct sown, cool season
MATURITY 80–110 days
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low–moderate
Soil pH
6.0–7.0
Spacing
5cm × 30cm
Depth
2–3cm
01Nitrogen fixers
A low, bushy legume that's easy to grow at a small scale — worthwhile on a homestead less for yield efficiency and more for the soil-building benefit and the novelty of home-grown lentils.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow, fairly dense.
Soil
Well-drained, even poor soil is tolerated.
Timing
Sow in the cooler months.
03Growing care
- Water lightly and consistently while establishing.
- Weed while young — low growth is easily outcompeted.
- Avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser, which grows leaf over pods.
- Leave roots in place after harvest for the nitrogen benefit.
04Problems
- Fungal rot — humid, wet conditions; ensure good airflow and drainage.
- Aphids — occasional cluster on tips; hose off.
- Poor pod set — heat stress; grow in the cooler months.
- Bird damage to seedlings — net if pressure is high.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Pods dry and rattle, plants yellow.
Method
Pull whole plants and thresh once fully dry.
Curing
Dry thoroughly before storing.
Storage
Airtight, cool, dark — keeps well over a year dried.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
CornCarrotAvoid nearby
OnionGarlicRotation note
Excellent precursor to heavy feeders.