Lentil

Lentils should be sown in spring as soon as the soil is workable (i.e., not frozen and not too wet); they prefer to grow in cooler conditions.

It is usually recommended to sow lentils directly outdoors, but it is possible to start lentils indoors to get a jump start on the season. Keep the seed starting mix consistently moist, and use grow lights to provide supplemental light as soon as the seeds germinate.

To sow lentils outdoors, loosen compacted soil if needed then lightly tamp down the surface using a rake or your feet to prepare a flat, even seed bed. Seeds can be hand planted or for larger areas a push seeder can be used. In dry climates quinoa seed can be planted slightly deeper to help maintain soil moisture. Water the newly planted seed in well with a gentle spray nozzle to avoid jostling the seeds.

Lentils prefer drier conditions. High humidity and excess rainfall can reduce lentil yields. Do not plant lentils in areas that can become waterlogged.

Lentils can potentially be grown in containers but be sure the container mix is not overly fertile as this can cause lentils to struggle. The container should be at least 8-10" (20-25 cm) deep; ideally choose a large container so multiple lentil plants can be planted.

Since lentils are legumes they can fix much of their own nitrogen. Working in compost at the time of planting may provide sufficient fertility. Excessive nitrogen can cause the plant to put energy into leaf growth at the expense of flower and seed formation.

If your soil test shows other deficiencies, amend it at the time of planting.

Lentil pods can be harvested while still green and the lentil inside can be shelled and eaten much like shelling peas.

Lentils for storage should be harvested when the plants start to yellow and the lower pods have started to dry out. As the plants reach maturity, taper off watering to encourage drying. Do not harvest lentils when the weather is rainy to avoid spoilage.

Cut the plant stems close to the ground with a knife or garden shears then place the plants in a sheltered, dry area to dry down completely. Be sure there is good airflow between the plants while they dry.

To thresh the lentil seeds (i.e., remove them from the stalks and break the pods) lay down a tarp to catch the seeds and either rub the seed heads by hand or beat them with a broom handle or other long piece of wood until the seeds come off and the pods are broken open.

Next the lentils need to be winnowed (i.e., seeds need to be separated from the remaining chaff).

To winnow the seed either use a fan or work outside on a breezy day. Slowly pour out the seed in front of the fan into a large catchment container. The fan needs to be strong enough to blow away the lighter chaff but not so strong that the seed is being blown away. This will need to be repeated several times to get seed that is relatively free of chaff.