Soybean: Sowing, planting and harvest calendar
How do you sow soya outdoors?
Sow soya outdoors once frost has passed and the soil has warmed properly. Cold, waterlogged ground slows emergence and makes seeds more likely to rot. A soil temperature of around 15 °C offers more favourable conditions; adapt this guide to your climate and the instructions on the seed packet.
Choose a variety early enough for the length of your summer, with a sunny site and freely draining soil. Remove weeds and prepare an even surface without large clods. Sow at the depth specified on the seed packet, usually a few centimetres. Leave enough room between seeds for individual plants to develop, with rows accessible for weeding.
Cover the seeds, firm gently and water if the ground is dry. Keep moisture reasonably even during emergence, without constantly saturating the soil. Watch the young shoots and check for slug damage; eggshells and ash do not provide reliable protection.
Mark the row and record the variety and sowing date. Once seedlings emerge, retain vigorous plants at the recommended spacing. Avoid working deeply close to their roots.
How to care for this plant
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Weed
If weeds are competing with your young plants, remove them before they take over. Close to the plants, work by hand without disturbing the soil deeply to protect the roots. A weed-free row needs no action.
How do you harvest dry soya beans?
