Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Minnesota

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 20 – May 15
Transplant OutdoorsMay 20 – June 5
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Soybean Planting Conditions

Minnesota’s climate is characterized by cold winters and warm summers, with most regions falling into USDA Hardiness Zones 3a to 4b. This presents unique challenges for soybean planting, particularly a short growing season.

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 Minnesota, where cold temperatures can hinder soybean growth, a greenhouse provides a stable environment for optimal development. Greenhouses extend the growing season, protect plants from frost, and allow for controlled conditions that can lead to better 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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Minnesota’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
MinneapolisMay 10
Saint PaulMay 10
RochesterMay 15
DuluthMay 25
BloomingtonMay 12
Brooklyn ParkMay 9
Saint CloudMay 20
PlymouthMay 10
EaganMay 15
Coon RapidsMay 14

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 Minnesota:

Broccoli Planting in Minnesota

Pumpkin Planting in Minnesota

Tomato Planting in Minnesota

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

Starting Soybeans Indoors

In Minnesota, the ideal time for starting soybean seeds indoors is between April 15 and May 15. This period allows for healthy seedlings that can be transplanted outdoors starting from late May to early June, once the danger of frost has passed.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors from June 1 to June 15, ensuring that the soil temperature has consistently warmed above 60°F. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows that are at least 30 inches apart for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil. Minnesota’s variable climate requires regular monitoring to prevent soil dryness, especially during dry spells.
  • Water at the base of plants to prevent excessive leaf wetness, which can contribute to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and again when seedlings are about 6 inches tall. Incorporating organic matter like compost can improve soil fertility and structure.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly check for common pests such as aphids, bean leaf beetles, and soybean cyst nematodes. Being proactive in pest management is vital in Minnesota’s diverse agricultural landscape.
  • Utilize integrated pest management strategies to minimize pest impact and keep soybean plants healthy.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when they are plump and have reached the desired dryness. Regular harvesting ensures high-quality yields and prevents spoiling of over-mature pods.

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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