Lens culinaris

lentil

Photo: Johann Georg Sturm (Painter: Jacob Sturm) · Public Domain · Source

This description was machine-translated.

Description

The lentil is one of the oldest cultivated plants and is experiencing a comeback on the Swabian Alb as the "Alblinse". The low, delicate plants bear tiny pods each containing one or two flat seeds. Traditionally it is grown in a mix with oats or barley, which provide support.

Care instructions

Sow from April to May in thin layers in lean, calcareous, well‑drained soils, fat soil only promotes the foliage. Grow it best together with some oats or barley as a support crop to avoid ground storage. Water sparingly and harvest in late summer when the lower pods start to rattle, then dry the whole plant.

Soil & site

Soil pH

4.0pH 6–7.58.0

Soil type

sandy, loamy, well-drained, lime-loving, lean

LightFull sun

HardinessFrost-sensitive

Crop rotationLegumes

Water needLow

Feeding

Light feeder

Companion planting

Good neighbors

cabbage family (Brassicaceae)

particularly well established

Leguminous plants collect nitrogen in the soil, from which Brassicaceae benefit as heavy feeders.

For example White cabbageKohlrabiRadishKalebroccolicauliflower and 34 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

carrot family (Apiaceae)

Peas and beans provide carrot and celery with nitrogen and grow as shallow-rooted plants without competition next to each other.

For example CarrotDillParsleyCarrot fennelCorianderCelery (Stalk Celery) and 18 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

gourd family (Cucurbitaceae)

Beans and peas enrich the soil with nitrogen, which cucurbits, as heavy feeders, can make good use of.

For example PumpkinCourgettepickling cucumberButternutHokkaidoPatisson and 13 more species in the catalogue

Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)

celery root Cucumber Head lettuce

Rather not

amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae)

particularly well established

Allium species inhibit the nitrogen‑fixing rhizobia of legumes through their root exudates, which slows their growth.

For example ChivesDaffodilRocamboleElephant garlicRed Onionshallot and 9 more species in the catalogue

Source: basic crop‑rotation rule

Garlic Leek Onion

Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.

Some of these explanations were machine-translated.

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