A gathering place for vegetable gardeners & allotmenteers

Growing Lentils in the UK

Has anyone got any advice on growing Lentils, I have never grown them before, but looking forward to trying this year.

Permalink Reply by Neil J on January 26, 2010 at 3:09pm: ----------Hi Linda,
Lentils can be grown here especially in the Southern regions of the UK. There has been an idea bandied around to grow them on a commercial scale in the UK.

The problem you may find is space to grow them in. They can grow to 2 1/2 feet and you need quite a few plants to get a decent amount of seed to eat.

Lentils are annuals, sow them when the ground has warmed and cover the seed thinly at a depth equal to the height of the seed itself. Thin plants to around 4-5 inches apart.

Watering should not be too much of a problem in the UK as they are fairly drought tolerant, but will benefit if it is really dry.

Once the pods have ripened do not water to allow the seed to dry. The seeds will be ready when the pods are nice and crisp.

You may find though it's easier to buy organic lentils from your wholefood store and grow beans up trellises where you will get more of a crop to dry.

But don't be put off if you want to experiment, and let us all know your results at the end of the season.

Neil; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Linda Darby on March 18, 2010 at 9:30am: Thanks for the advice Neil - I don't have a lot of space so maybe I will give it a miss at the momement. I tried Soya Beans last year and got about 4 pods with 2 beans in each pod :-(
Guess I will stick to Runners and Broad Beans
Thanks again
Linda; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Gary on March 17, 2010 at 6:51pm: Hi Linda,

As Neil has already pointed out, They are easy to grow but it isn't in most cases viable to do so on a small scale. I've grown Chick peas with pretty much getting back the same amount of seeds as I put in to give you some idea of the returns you are likely to get back.

Worth a try for curiosity sake but that's about all.

Gaz.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Linda Darby on March 18, 2010 at 9:32am: Thanks for your response Gaz, and as I just said to Neil, I think I will stick to my normal Runners and Broad Beans. I do like to experiment with at least one new plant every year but I think it will be something with a higher yeild.
I really appreciate your input
Thanks
Linda; ▶ Reply to This