Best Planting Times for Soybeans in New Jersey

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

Planting Conditions

Soybean Planting Conditions

New Jersey’s climate is characterized by humid subtropical conditions, with average USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 6a to 7b, allowing for a favorable environment for soybean cultivation.

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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 New Jersey, where humidity and temperature fluctuations can challenge soybean growth, a greenhouse provides a stable environment for optimal development. Greenhouses extend the growing season, protect plants from extreme weather, and allow for year-round cultivation with proper climate control.

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

Average Last Frost Dates for New Jersey’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
TrentonApril 15
NewarkApril 9
PattersonApril 15
ElizabethApril 15
CamdenApril 15
Perth AmboyApril 20

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 New Jersey:

Broccoli Planting in New Jersey

Kale Planting in New Jersey

Pumpkin Planting in New Jersey

Any questions on growing soybeans? Visit our forum to discuss: Soybean Discussions.

Starting Soybeans Indoors

In New Jersey, begin indoor soybean seed starting between April 15 and May 15. This timeframe allows for the production of healthy seedlings that can be transplanted outdoors starting from late May to early June when the soil temperature consistently reaches above 60°F.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors from May 25 to June 10, ensuring the risk of frost has passed and soil temperatures are adequate. Space the seedlings 6-12 inches apart in rows with at least 30 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide regular and deep watering, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist. New Jersey’s humid climate can create varying moisture levels.
  • Water at the base of flowering plants to minimize leaf wetness, helping to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer at planting and again when the first pods begin to develop. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, can improve soil health.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly inspect for common pests such as aphids and spider mites, as well as diseases including root rot and soybean rust. While New Jersey has a variety of conditions, maintaining vigilance is important.
  • Utilize organic practices or integrated pest management strategies to protect soybean plants from infestations and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when the pods are firm and the beans inside have reached the desired size. Frequent harvesting will encourage more pods to form and increase yield.

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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