Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Arkansas

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 15 – May 15
Transplant OutdoorsMay 30 – June 15
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Soybean Planting Conditions

Arkansas experiences a humid subtropical climate, making it ideal for soybean cultivation. The USDA Hardiness Zones range from 6a to 8a, providing favorable conditions for growth during the warm months.

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Useful Tools for Starting Soybeans Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your soybeans the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
Soybean Seeds
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Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
Planting Trays Image
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Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In Arkansas, during the hot summer months, a greenhouse can help protect soybean plants from extreme heat, providing a controlled environment that enhances growth. Greenhouses allow for better humidity control and prevent stress on the plants, leading to a more fruitful harvest.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your soybeans thrive in a controlled environment.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
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Fertilizer

For optimal soybean growth in Arkansas, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Fertilizer Image
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Plant soybeans outdoors in Arkansas approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Arkansas’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
Little RockApril 10
Fort SmithApril 5
FayettevilleApril 15
SpringdaleApril 12
JonesboroApril 20
North Little RockApril 8
Pine BluffApril 15
BentonvilleApril 18
ConwayApril 14
TexarkanaApril 22

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

Starting Soybeans Indoors

In Arkansas (Zone 8), begin indoor soybean seed starting between April 1 and April 30. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late May to early June once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors from May 15 to June 1, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Space the seedlings 4-6 inches apart in rows that are 30-38 inches apart for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Arkansas’s varying climate necessitates regular watering, especially during dry spells.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, which can contribute to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and when the first pods start forming. Incorporating compost before planting can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly monitor for common pests like soybean aphids and stink bugs. Vigilance is essential to prevent significant crop damage.
  • Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect soybean plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when the pods turn brown and the beans inside have reached the desired size. Regular harvesting promotes better yields and helps prevent spoilage.

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 🙂

BeeJay
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