Growing Organic Green Lentil Cover Crop Garden Seeds

Non-GMO Organic green lentil cover crop is a cool weather favorite best grown directly in early spring for summer mulching, or late fall for spring tilling. Broadcast lentil seed directly and lightly rake and tamp into soil or, for more traditional planting, directly sow 1-2 Organic lentil seeds ½" deep and 6-8" apart in average garden soil in full sun. As a legume cover crop, green lentil should be treated with legume inoculant prior to sowing to ensure roots develop healthy nodules to provide the most amount of nitrogen back into the soil. Non-GMO Organic lentils germinate in 10-21 days and, if row planting, thin back to one plant every 12" apart in the garden as true leaves establish. Allow Lens culinaris to dry before watering since overwatering and saturation make the plant susceptible to mildews, rust, stem rotting, and bacteria. Green lentil is especially susceptible to overwatering. Organic lentil seeds mature into a semi-erect 12-24" tall legume cover crop with a tidy 12-15" wide bushy spread. Mow non-GMO Organic green lentil when it has reached 50% blooms, mulching back into garden soil 3-4 weeks before sowing new crop. Organic green lentil seeds should be inoculated prior to planting to ensure root develop proper nitrogen-fixing nodules and able to develop the most benefits to the soil.

Lens culinaris, or more commonly known as lentil in the United States and countless other names across the world (Masoor Dal in India), the lentil has recently become one of the most diverse and widespread crops in the world. Bush-like in size and appearance, lentil is a cool-hardy hypogeal plant, meaning that its seeds are more tolerant to wind and cold extremes than others. Similar to other softer seeds such as the chickpea and cowpea, the lentil is a versatile staple to many Indian diets and cuisines. Despite India consuming most of the world's supply of lentil, Canada's Saskatchewan province is the world's leading grower and supplier of lentil seed, with Idaho's panhandle not being too far behind production.

For Lentil Cover Crops we recommend adding Lentil Cover Crop Bacterial Inoculant Powder to help improve the Nitrogen Fixation capabilities of your Lentil Crops.

Organic Green Lentil Benefits

Non-GMO Lens culinaris is a popular cover crop traditionally sown in the fall to replenish nitrogen content in garden soil while breaking up tough soils. Green lentil is cultivated for its firm roots known to help minimize garden erosion, improve soil tilth and structure, while bolstering weed suppression. Lentil roots are also popularly left untilled in the garden, in which gardeners trust in the power of the roots to have restructured the garden soil to best allow new root growth, drainage, weed control, and oxygen. Generally, like many cover crops, green lentil is often mulched and tilled back into the soil to serve as a healthy, all-natural Organic "green manure". Although the "till vs. no till" debate is still very active, lentil seems to be a variety that is preferred to be left untilled after the seasonal mow. However, as a legume, Organic green lentil will benefit immensely from a legume inoculant to ensure its ability to maximize nitrogen production in the soil.

Wholesale Organic Green Lentil Cover Crop Garden Seeds Per Package:

• 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 3,750 Seeds
• 8 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 7,500 Seeds
• 1 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 15,000 Seeds
• 2.5 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 37,500 Seeds
• 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 75,000 Seeds
• 35 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 525,000 Seeds

Non-GMO Organic Green Lentil cover crop garden seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on orders over $75.