Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Pennsylvania

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

Planting Conditions

Soybean Planting Conditions

Pennsylvania’s climate varies from humid continental in the north to humid subtropical in the south, fostering suitable conditions for soybean cultivation. The general growing season stretches from late April to early October, with optimal temperatures for growth found between 70°F and 95°F.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Useful Tools for Starting Soybeans Indoors

Utilizing the right tools can enhance your planting efficiency and promote successful growth.

Seeds

Choosing high-quality soybean seeds is integral to achieving strong germination rates and vigorous plants. Investing in quality seeds facilitates a successful growing season.
Soybean Seeds
Browse Soybean Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Using planting trays organizes your seedlings and provides the necessary space for growth before transferring them outdoors. This approach enhances transplant success rates.
Planting Trays Image
Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are valuable for ensuring seedlings receive adequate light, especially in less sunny conditions. They promote healthy growth during the early stages of development.
Grow Lights Image
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Employing light and well-draining soil designed specifically for seed starting fosters rapid root establishment and supports healthy growth for your soybeans.
Seed Starting Soil Image
Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Greenhouse Growing

In Pennsylvania, a greenhouse offers a controlled environment that extends the soybean growing season, allowing for earlier planting and protection against unexpected weather fluctuations. This creates an ideal atmosphere for consistent growth and can enhance overall yields.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your soybeans thrive in a regulated climate.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

Applying fertilizer can significantly boost soybean growth in Pennsylvania. Nutrient-rich fertilizers replenish soil nutrients, ensuring robust plant health and maximizing yields.
Fertilizer Image
Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

Consider planting soybeans outdoors in Pennsylvania 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date to ensure optimal conditions for growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for Pennsylvania’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
PhiladelphiaApril 7
PittsburghApril 9
AllentownApril 11
ErieMay 15
LancasterApril 28
YorkApril 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 Pennsylvania:

Broccoli Planting in Pennsylvania

Pumpkin Planting in Pennsylvania

Tomato Planting in Pennsylvania

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

Starting Soybeans Indoors

In Pennsylvania (Zone 6a), begin indoor soybean seed starting between April 15 and May 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late May to early June, after the last frost has passed.

Transplanting Soybean Seedlings

Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors from May 25 to June 10, ensuring the soil temperature has warmed to at least 60°F. Space the seedlings 6-10 inches apart in rows with 30 inches between rows for optimal growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering, especially during flowering and pod development stages to maintain evenly moist soil.
  • Water at the base of plants to avoid leaf wetness, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during planting if needed, as soybeans can also fix nitrogen in the soil.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly monitor for common pests like aphids and soybean loopers. Maintaining good airflow and proper spacing helps minimize disease risk.
  • Implement organic or integrated pest management methods to protect soybean plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting

  • Harvest soybeans when the pods are firm and the beans inside have reached their full size but before the leaves turn yellow and drop.

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
Latest posts by BeeJay (see all)