Friday, April 24, 2009

TWO LENTIL GROWING EXPERIMENTS IN TROPICAL BELIZE FAIL SO FAR.


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TWO EXPERIMENTS IN GROWING LENTILS IN BELIZE HAVE FAILED!

Here are the requirements copied off the internet for a temperate climate. From reading the below, lentils should grow in Belize. What seems to be the problem is the soil. Looks like they require HUMUS.
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Lentils are annual plants producing lens-shaped seeds. A cousin of the bean, the lentil belongs to the legume family, or those with seeds that grow within pods. Lentils are quite rich in iron and have the highest levels of protein of any vegetable next to soybeans. Once you know the right soil and climate conditions you can grow your own lentils.


Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:

* Soil pH tester
* Garden spade

Step1
Test your soil with a soil pH tester. Lentils grow best at a soil pH of 6.0 to 8.0.
Step2
Find the best location to plant. Lentils grow best on level or slightly rolling land, which drains well.
Step3
Sow your seedlings using a garden spade early in spring. Work the soil while moist and when the soil is warm enough to stimulate germination.
Step4
Plant seedlings 1 to 1 1/2 inches deep in moist, but not wet, soil. You can plant them a bit deeper in well-draining soil.
Step5
Watch your lentil plants grow. On average they reach 1 to 2 1/2 feet high, with pods that usually hold two lentil seeds each.
Step6
Harvest them around mid-July when seeds mature and your soil dries. Lentils are drought tolerant and can grow under fairly dry conditions, although they do require a minimum of 6 inches of rain or watering during the entire growing season.

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