Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Maryland

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 15 – May 15
Transplant OutdoorsMay 20 – June 5
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Soybean Planting Conditions

Maryland’s climate is generally humid subtropical, with a growing season lasting approximately 180 days. This makes it suitable for soybean cultivation, provided that soil temperatures reach at least 55°F for optimal germination.

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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 Maryland, using a greenhouse can help regulate temperature and humidity levels, providing an ideal growing environment for soybeans. Greenhouses also facilitate early planting by extending the growing season and protect young plants from pests and extreme weather conditions.

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 Maryland, 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 Maryland approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Maryland’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
BaltimoreApril 15
AnnapolisApril 15
FrederickApril 10
RockvilleApril 22
GaithersburgApril 20
Silver SpringApril 25
HyattsvilleApril 18
LaurelApril 17

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

Other planting guides for Maryland:

Kale Planting in Maryland

Pumpkin Planting in Maryland

Tomato Planting in Maryland

Any questions on growing soybeans? Visit our forum to discuss: Gardening Forum.

Starting Soybean Seeds Indoors

In Maryland, begin indoor soybean seed starting between April 1 and April 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late April to early May once the risk of frost has passed.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors from May 1 to May 15, ensuring the soil has warmed above 60°F consistently. Space the seedlings 2-4 inches apart in rows with at least 30-36 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Maryland’s diverse climate necessitates regular watering to prevent soil dryness, especially during dry spells.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer during 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, spider mites, and disease issues such as root rot. Vigilance is essential to ensure healthy crops in Maryland’s humid climate.
  • Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect soybean plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when the pods are plump and the leaves have turned yellow. Timing is key to ensure the best flavor and quality.

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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