Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Florida

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 1 – June 1
Transplant OutdoorsJune 15 – July 1
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Soybean Planting Conditions

Florida’s warm and humid climate is ideal for soybean cultivation. With USDA Hardiness Zones predominantly ranging from 8a to 10a, growers can take advantage of the long growing season.

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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 Florida, where the heat can be intense, a greenhouse helps in regulating temperature and humidity, which are critical for soybean growth. Greenhouses can protect plants from extreme weather, pests, and diseases while extending the growing season.

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

Average Last Frost Dates for Florida’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
MiamiMarch 15
TampaMarch 20
OrlandoMarch 30
JacksonvilleMarch 5
Fort LauderdaleMarch 10
Palm BayMarch 25
HialeahMarch 15
St. PetersburgMarch 20
GainesvilleApril 1

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 Florida:

Broccoli Planting in Florida

Kale Planting in Florida

Pumpkin Planting in Florida

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

Starting Soybeans Indoors

In Florida, begin indoor soybean seed starting between March 1 and April 1. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from mid-April to early May when the risk of frost has completely passed.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors from April 15 to May 1, ensuring the soil has warmed above 60°F consistently. 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. Florida’s warm 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 which can thrive in humid conditions.

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 diseases such as soybean rust. Florida’s humidity can encourage pest proliferation, so vigilance is essential.
  • Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect soybean plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when the pods have turned brown and the beans inside feel firm. Regular harvesting promotes better yield and prevents spoilage due to weather.

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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