Best Planting Times for Soybeans in Oklahoma
Planting Method | Activity | Recommended Dates |
---|---|---|
Outdoor Planting | Indoor Seed Starting | April 15 – May 15 |
Transplant Outdoors | May 20 – June 1 | |
Greenhouse Planting | Year-round | Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse |
Planting Conditions
Oklahoma’s climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, making it suitable for soybean cultivation. The USDA Hardiness Zones range from 6a to 8a, offering different challenges based on region.
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Useful Tools for Starting Soybeans Indoors
Utilizing the right tools can save you time and increase your chances of success.
Seeds
Start with high-quality soybean seeds for better germination and healthier plants.
Browse Soybean Seeds on Amazon
Planting Trays
Planting trays help organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before transplanting outdoors. This leads to stronger, healthier plants.
Find Planting Trays on Amazon
Grow Lights
Grow lights are essential if you lack natural sunlight. They provide the necessary light for healthy growth of seedlings, especially in cooler or overcast conditions.
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon
Seed Starting Soil
Using light, fine soil designed for seed starting promotes healthy root establishment and growth. This provides seedlings with the best possible start.
Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon
Greenhouse Growing
In Oklahoma, where high temperatures can be a concern, utilizing a greenhouse can control heat and humidity, providing an ideal environment for soybeans. Greenhouses can extend the growing season, protect against pests, and allow for year-round cultivation.
Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your soybeans thrive in a controlled environment.
Check the latest price on Amazon.
Fertilizer
For optimal soybean growth in Oklahoma, using fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Check out Fertilizer on Amazon
It is recommended to plant soybeans outdoors in Oklahoma approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date, ensuring the soil is consistently warm for optimal growth.
Average Last Frost Dates for Oklahoma’s Major Cities
City | Average Last Frost Date |
---|---|
Oklahoma City | April 15 |
Tulsa | April 20 |
Norman | April 18 |
Broken Arrow | April 25 |
Lawton | April 30 |
Edmond | April 16 |
Muskogee | April 22 |
Stillwater | April 27 |
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 Oklahoma:
Any questions on growing soybeans? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Soybeans in Oklahoma.
Starting Soybeans Indoors
In Oklahoma, begin indoor soybean seed starting between April 1 and April 15. This timeline ensures healthy seedlings ready for outdoor transplantation starting from late April to early May, once the risk of frost has passed.
Transplanting Soybean Seedlings
Transplant soybean seedlings outdoors from May 1 to May 15, ensuring the soil temperature has warmed above 55°F consistently. Space the seedlings 4-6 inches apart in rows with at least 30 inches between rows for optimal growth.
General Care and Maintenance
Watering
- Provide consistent and deep watering to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during the hot and dry summer months in Oklahoma.
- Water at the base of plants to avoid wetting the foliage, minimizing the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
- Apply a balanced fertilizer during planting and once the plants reach approximately 6 inches in height. Incorporating organic matter into the soil before planting can enhance fertility.
Pest and Disease Management
- Regularly monitor for common pests like soybean aphids and spider mites. Oklahoma’s warm climate can encourage pest populations, so stay vigilant.
- Implement integrated pest management strategies to protect soybean plants from pests and diseases.
Harvesting
- Harvest soybeans when the pods are firm and mature, usually from late September to early October. Regular harvesting promotes better yield and quality.
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 🙂
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