Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Vermont

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

Vermont’s climate presents unique challenges for soybean cultivation, including cooler temperatures and a shorter growing season. With USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 3b to 5a, careful consideration of planting dates is crucial to ensure successful growth.

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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 Vermont, the cooler climate can pose challenges for soybean growth. A greenhouse provides a stable environment that extends the growing season, protects plants from frost, and allows for controlled conditions that promote healthy development. Utilizing a greenhouse can lead to higher yields and better overall plant health during Vermont’s unpredictable 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 Vermont, 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 Vermont approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Vermont’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
BurlingtonMay 10
South BurlingtonMay 12
RutlandMay 15
BarreMay 14
MontpelierMay 18
StoweMay 20

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 Vermont, begin indoor soybean seed starting around mid-April to early May. This timeline ensures that the seedlings are strong enough to be transplanted outdoors after the last frost date, typically by the end of May.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors from late May to early June, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Space seedlings 4-6 inches apart in rows with at least 30 inches between rows for proper growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent watering, particularly during dry spells, to maintain evenly moist soil. Vermont’s variable weather means monitoring moisture levels is crucial.
  • Water at the base of the plants to reduce leaf wetness and minimize the risk of diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the plants start to flower. Incorporating well-rotted manure or compost before planting can enhance soil fertility.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly check for pests such as aphids, soybean loopers, and root maggots. Being in the humid climate of Vermont, watch for fungal diseases as well.
  • Utilize organic pest management strategies to protect soybean plants from potential pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when the pods are firm and the beans inside have reached the desired size. Regular harvesting encourages better yields and maintains plant health.

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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