Soybean Planting Dates Alaska

Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Alaska

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	May 1 – June 1
	Transplant Outdoors	June 15 – July 1
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Alaska’s unique climate, characterized by short growing seasons and extreme conditions in some regions, presents challenges for soybean cultivation. Understanding local conditions is critical to successful planting.

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Useful Tools for Starting Soybeans Indoors

Having the right tools is vital for successful soybean cultivation.

Seeds

Start with quality soybean seeds that are suited for Alaska’s climate, ensuring better germination and plant health.

Browse Soybean Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Using planting trays will help you manage seedlings and ensure proper spacing before transplanting outside.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Utilize grow lights for seedlings to provide the necessary light for healthy growth during Alaska’s dimmer months.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using specific seed starting soil promotes quick root establishment and stronger growth in young plants.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Greenhouse Growing

Imagine extending your growing season and harvest fresh plants into the cold season.

When the growing seasons are short and weather can be unpredictable, utilizing a greenhouse allows for a controlled environment. This promotes better growth , protects plants from harsh weather, and can enable earlier planting. Greenhouses also  maximizes the growing season.

The beautiful Howe 8x12x7,5 FT Greenhouse shown on the images are right now priced at $1,199.

Don’t miss out on getting the best value—check out the latest price and see how affordable growing year-round can be.

Check the latest price for the HOWE greenhouse on Amazon.

Fertilizer

To ensure healthy growth of soybeans in Alaska, using high-quality fertilizer will replenish soil nutrients that are essential for plant vigor and productivity.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

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For best results, plant soybeans outdoors in Alaska once the soil temperature has warmed sufficiently, usually around late June, following the average last frost date.

Average Last Frost Dates for Alaska’s Major Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Anchorage	May 15
Fairbanks	June 1
Juneau	May 30
Homer	May 10
Ketchikan	May 25

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adjust planting decisions as needed.

Other planting guides for Alaska:

Cucumber Planting in Alaska

Kale Planting in Alaska

Pumpkin Planting in Alaska

Tomato Planting in Alaska

Any questions on growing soybeans? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Soybeans.

Starting Soybeans Indoors

In Alaska, the best time to start soybean seeds indoors is between April 1 and April 15. This timetable ensures the seedlings are robust enough for outdoor planting when the frost risk subsides, typically around mid to late May.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors between May 20 and June 1, ensuring that the soil temperature has consistently warmed above 60°F. Space the seedlings 2-4 inches apart in rows with a 30 inch spacing between each row to promote sufficient sunlight exposure and airflow.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Ensure consistent and deep watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Alaska’s varied climate may require monitoring moisture levels, especially during warmer days.
• Water at the base of plants to help maintain a dry canopy, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and during early pod formation for optimal growth. Incorporating organic matter can enhance soil health, especially in Alaska’s variable soils.

Pest and Disease Management

• Regularly check for common pests like aphids and soybean loopers. Despite Alaska’s cooler climate, monitoring for pests is crucial to protect your yield.
• Utilize organic or sustainable pest management strategies to safeguard soybean plants from potential infestations and diseases.

Harvesting

• Harvest soybeans when pods have achieved a firm feel and the beans inside are plump but still green. Frequent harvesting can enhance overall yield.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden,The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organicrich organic matter that plants need to thrive.

In my garden I try to compost as mutch as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient ritch compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you dont have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan you crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.

The satisfaction when you harvest your own produce is well worth the time you put in 🙂