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 winter-kill/spring tilling. Broadcast lentil seed directly, then lightly rake and tamp into the soil or, for more traditional planting, sow 1-2 Organic lentil seeds ½" deep and 6-8" apart in average garden soil in full sun. As a legume cover crop, treat green lentils with legume inoculant before sowing to ensure roots develop healthy nodules and provide the most 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% bloom, then mulch it back into the garden soil 3-4 weeks before sowing the new crop. Inoculate organic green lentil seeds before planting to ensure roots develop proper nitrogen-fixing nodules and provide the most benefits to the soil.
Lens culinaris, more commonly known as lentil in the United States and by countless other names worldwide (Masoor Dal in India), has recently become one of the most diverse and widespread crops in the world. Bush-like in size and appearance, the lentil is a cold-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 in many Indian diets and cuisines. Although India consumes most of the world's lentils, Canada's Saskatchewan province is the world's leading grower and supplier of lentil seed, with Idaho's panhandle not far behind in 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, and bolster weed suppression. Lentil roots are also often left untilled in the garden, as gardeners trust their power to restructure soil and improve drainage, weed control, and oxygen. Generally, like many cover crops, green lentil is 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 help it 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 qualifying orders.
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