Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Louisiana

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMarch 1 – April 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 15 – May 15
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Soybean Planting Conditions

Louisiana’s warm, humid climate is generally conducive to soybean growth. With USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 8a to 9b, the state offers a long growing season, but excessive heat and humidity can pose challenges for soybean cultivation.

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Useful Tools for Starting Soybeans Indoors

Using the right tools can improve your germination rates and overall plant health.

Seeds

Using high-quality seeds is essential for ensuring successful germination and robust plant health. It sets the foundation for a fruitful soybean crop.
Soybean Seeds
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Planting Trays

Planting trays help organize your seedlings and provide adequate space for growth before transplanting them outdoors. This promotes stronger plant development.
Planting Trays Image
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Grow Lights

Grow lights are crucial when natural sunlight is insufficient. They ensure your seedlings receive adequate light, fostering healthy growth.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Using lightweight soil designed for seed starting promotes quick root establishment and healthy growth, giving your soybeans the best start possible.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In Louisiana, the greenhouse environment helps mitigate the challenges posed by excessive heat and humidity. A greenhouse can provide shade and a controlled cooling system, leading to healthier soybean plants. Moreover, it enables extended growing seasons, allowing for year-round cultivation when managed well.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to create a controlled environment for your soybeans.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
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Fertilizer

To achieve optimal soybean growth in Louisiana, it’s beneficial to supplement with fertilizer. Quality fertilizer replenishes soil nutrients and promotes plant vigor.
Fertilizer Image
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In Louisiana, plant soybeans approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil temperature reaches a suitable level for growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Louisiana’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
New OrleansMarch 15
Baton RougeMarch 10
ShreveportMarch 20
LafayetteMarch 12
Lake CharlesMarch 18
AlexandriaMarch 25
MonroeMarch 22

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 Louisiana:

Broccoli Planting in Louisiana

Kale Planting in Louisiana

Pumpkin Planting in Louisiana

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

Starting Soybean Seeds Indoors

In Louisiana, you can begin indoor soybean seed starting between March 1 and April 1. This timeline ensures that seedlings are strong enough to be transplanted outdoors by late April to early May, ideally after the last frost has passed.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors from April 20 to May 10, ensuring the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Proper spacing is crucial for growth; plant seeds 4-6 inches apart in rows with at least 30 inches between rows.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Ensure consistent and adequate watering to keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season. Louisiana’s humidity can help, but monitoring soil moisture is still necessary.
  • Water at the base of the plants to prevent fungal issues and to enhance drought resistance.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a nitrogen-based fertilizer at planting time and again when plants reach about 6 inches tall. Incorporating organic matter can significantly improve soil quality and moisture retention.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly check for pests such as aphids and caterpillars, as well as diseases including root rot. Louisiana’s warm and humid climate can encourage such issues.
  • Utilize integrated pest management strategies to maintain healthy soybean plants and minimize chemical inputs.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when the pods have turned tan and the beans inside feel firm. Regular harvesting helps ensure quality and prevents overripening.

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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