Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Tennessee

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 15 – May 15
Transplant OutdoorsMay 20 – June 10
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Soybean Planting Conditions

Tennessee’s climate offers a warm and humid environment ideal for soybean cultivation. The state predominantly falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 6 and 7, facilitating a long growing season for various crops, including soybeans.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

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
Browse Soybean Seeds on Amazon

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
Find Planting Trays on Amazon

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
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

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
Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Greenhouse Growing

In Tennessee’s warm climate, utilizing a greenhouse allows for better control over growing conditions and can help extend the growing season. Greenhouses protect soybean plants from pests, diseases, and unpredictable weather, resulting in healthier plants and potentially increased yields.

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
Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal soybean growth in Tennessee, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Fertilizer Image
Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

Plant soybeans outdoors in Tennessee approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil temperature is suitable for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Tennessee’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
NashvilleApril 15
MemphisApril 4
KnoxvilleApril 10
ChattanoogaApril 20
JacksonApril 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 Tennessee:

Broccoli Planting in Tennessee

Pumpkin Planting in Tennessee

Tomato Planting in Tennessee

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

Starting Soybeans Indoors

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

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors between May 15 and June 1, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F. Space the seedlings 2-4 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 keep the soil moderately moist, especially during dry spells common in Tennessee.
  • Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and when blossom formation begins. Incorporating compost before planting can enhance soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly monitor for common pests such as soybean aphids, rootworms, and fungal diseases. Pest vigilance is crucial in Tennessee’s humid climate.
  • Implement organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect soybean plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when seeds are mature and pods are plump. Regular harvesting ensures optimal yield and quality of the crop.

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 organic-rich organic matter that plants need to thrive.


In my garden I try to compost as much as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient-rich compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you don’t 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 your 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
Latest posts by BeeJay (see all)