Best Planting Times for Soybeans in New Mexico

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 12 – May 12
Transplant OutdoorsMay 20 – June 5
Greenhouse PlantingYear-roundAdjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

Soybean Planting Conditions

New Mexico’s climate is mostly arid, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, making it essential to consider the optimal conditions for soybean cultivation. With USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 6b to 8a, soybean planting can benefit from the state’s unique warmth and sunlight.

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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 soybean seeds gives your crops 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 soybean 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 soybean seedlings the best start possible.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In New Mexico, where temperature can soar during summer months, a greenhouse provides a stable environment for optimal soybean development. Greenhouses help mitigate extreme heat, allowing for year-round cultivation while preserving moisture and nutrients in the soil.

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 Mexico, 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 Mexico 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 Mexico’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
AlbuquerqueApril 15
Santa FeMay 1
Las CrucesApril 10
RoswellApril 25
FarmingtonMay 5

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 Mexico:

Broccoli Planting in New Mexico

Pumpkin Planting in New Mexico

Tomato Planting in New Mexico

Any questions on growing soybeans? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Soybeans.

Starting Soybeans Indoors

In New Mexico, particularly in areas like Albuquerque (Zone 7a), begin your indoor soybean seed starting between April 15 and May 15. This schedule will ensure that your seedlings are robust enough for outdoor planting by early June, once the frost risk has diminished.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

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

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and thorough watering to maintain evenly moist soil. New Mexico’s arid climate requires diligent watering to prevent soil from drying out.
  • Water at the base of the plants to minimize leaf wetness, thereby reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at the time of planting and again when the plants start to bloom. Incorporating compost can help enhance soil quality and nutrient levels.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly check for common pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and rootworms. Being proactive in pest management is crucial in the New Mexico climate.
  • Utilize organic pest control strategies and integrated pest management techniques to safeguard your soybean plants.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when the pods are firm and the seeds inside are well developed. Regular harvesting encourages further pod formation 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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