Lentils

How to sow lentils: Direct seed outdoors, thin seedlings to 4-5cm

Sun requirement for lentils: Plant in Full Sun

Lentils are a bushy annual plant in the Legume family that produce edible, lens-shaped seeds that are high in protein. The seeds grow in pods, and there are usually two seeds per pod. Lentil plants are semi-erect and resemble vetch plants or more feathery bean plants. Flowers can be white, lilac or pale blue in color. Seeds benefit from inoculation with Rhizobium leguminosarum bacteria just before sowing, as this bacteria helps the roots absorb nitrogen. Lentils can be grown as sprouts or microgreens, like snap beans, or as dried seeds. Plants will mature and be ready to harvest as dried seeds about 110 days after sowing. There are many varieties of lentils and the seed colors range from yellow to red-orange to green, brown, or black. The plants prefer cool growing conditions and are relatively drought-tolerant.