Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Hawaii

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingYear-round
Transplant OutdoorsYear-round
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Soybean Planting Conditions

Hawaii has a tropical climate that generally favors year-round growing conditions for soybeans. The consistency of temperature and humidity provides a conducive environment, but attention should still be paid to rainfall and moisture levels.


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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.
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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 Hawaii, the use of greenhouses can help manage excess humidity and protect soybeans from heavy rainfall, which is common in tropical climates. A greenhouse also allows for year-round cultivation by shielding plants from potential pests and diseases that thrive in hot weather.

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 Hawaii, 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 Hawaii year-round, monitoring soil temperature and moisture levels for optimal growth.

Average Planting Conditions for Hawaii’s Major Islands

IslandAverage Optimal Planting Conditions
Hawaii (Big Island)February – September
OahuMarch – December
MauiJanuary – October
KauaiJanuary – September

Disclaimer: Planting periods may vary, and conditions should be monitored closely for the best results.

Other planting guides for Hawaii:

Optimal Planting Times for Broccoli in Hawaii

Kale Planting in Hawaii

Pumpkin Planting in Hawaii

Have questions on growing plants? Visit our forum to discuss: Gardening Forum.

Starting Soybeans Indoors

In Hawaii, starting soybean seeds indoors is not typically necessary due to the warm climate. However, if you are considering it, you can begin planting seeds indoors anytime from January to April. This will ensure healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation once the weather is consistently warm.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors starting from April 15 to May 15. Ensure that the soil temperature is consistently above 70°F before transplanting. Space the seedlings 4-6 inches apart in rows with at least 30 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Hawaii’s tropical climate may require more frequent watering during dry spells.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid excessive moisture on leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at the time of planting and during the early flowering stage to encourage healthy growth and pod formation.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly check for common pests such as aphids and spider mites, as well as diseases like soybean rust. Vigilance is crucial in Hawaii’s humid climate.
  • Implement organic pest control methods and rotate crops to reduce disease and pest pressure.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when the pods turn yellow and the beans inside are firm. Regular harvesting can help maintain productivity.

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