Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Mississippi

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

Mississippi’s warm and humid climate, combined with its USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 8a to 9b, provides ideal conditions for soybean cultivation, making it an important crop in the region.

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Useful Tools for Starting Soybeans Indoors

Utilizing the right equipment can enhance your planting success and optimize growth conditions.

Seeds

High-quality soybean seeds result in better germination rates and robust plants. Starting with the best seeds sets a solid foundation for your crop.
Soybean Seeds
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Planting Trays

Planting trays help organize your seedlings, ensuring they have adequate space to flourish before being transplanted outdoors, increasing the likelihood of successful growth.
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Grow Lights

If natural sunlight is insufficient, grow lights are vital for providing seedlings with necessary light, ensuring healthy growth throughout the planting season.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Selecting a light, fine soil mix designed for seed starting is essential for promoting rapid root establishment and encouraging healthy growth.
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Greenhouse Growing

In Mississippi, where warm temperatures can sometimes lead to inconsistent weather patterns, a greenhouse provides a controlled environment for soybeans. This setup allows for optimized growing conditions, reduced pest pressure, and the ability to extend the growing season.

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

Employing fertilizer is critical for achieving healthy soybean growth in Mississippi. Appropriate nutrients help replenish the soil and promote vigorous plant development.
Fertilizer Image
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Plant soybeans outdoors in Mississippi approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date to ensure optimal growth conditions.

Average Last Frost Dates for Mississippi’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
JacksonApril 10
GulfportApril 15
SouthavenApril 9
HattiesburgApril 12
BiloxiApril 16

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 Mississippi:

Broccoli Planting in Mississippi

Pumpkin Planting in Mississippi

Tomato Planting in Mississippi

Any questions on growing cucumbers? Visit our forum to discuss: Cucumber Growing Forum.

Starting Soybeans Indoors

In Mississippi, you can start soybean seeds indoors from late March to early April. This timing allows for robust seedlings that can be transplanted outdoors after the last frost, typically around mid-April.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors from mid-April to early May. Ensure the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F for optimal growth, and space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows spaced 30-36 inches apart.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Maintain consistently moist soil, especially during the crucial germination stage, as Mississippi’s climate can lead to rapid drying.
  • Water at the base of plants to minimize leaf wetness, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer at the time of planting to promote healthy growth, and consider adding compost to improve soil structure and fertility.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly scout for common pests such as soybean aphids and beetles, as well as diseases like soybean rust, especially in humid conditions common in Mississippi.
  • Utilize integrated pest management strategies, including crop rotation and natural predators, to maintain healthy soybean crops.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when the pods are firm and the seeds inside are plump, typically from late August to early September. Timely harvesting prevents losses from shattering.

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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