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When to plant Soybeans in Coden, AL

In Zone 9a (Coden), direct-sow Soybeans between March 10 and March 31 for spring, after the March 3 last-frost mark.

When to Plant Soybeans in Coden, AL

Mobile County, Alabama Zone 9a June

June in Mobile County, Alabama — your action list

We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Mobile County, Alabama this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.

Avg. last frost March 3
Avg. first frost November 24
Soil temp (4") 81°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14 hrs
  1. Pick soybeans

    This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.

To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
  • First harvests: soybeans

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Soybeans (edamame) are a high-protein legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil. Fresh green soybeans harvested at the edamame stage are a nutritious snack.

Coden, Alabama is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.

At an elevation of 101 feet, Mobile County receives approximately 48.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Soybeans may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Soybeans will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Coden, AL (Zone 9a) Long season
266 days
Last Spring Frost March 3
266 growing days
First Fall Frost November 24

Coden Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Soybeans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (131 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 19 🍅 Harvest: May 14 – Jul 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (126 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 3 🍅 Harvest: May 26 – Jul 21
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (126 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 20 🍅 Harvest: Jun 12 – Aug 7

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Soil Compatibility in Coden

How your county's soil matches Soybeans's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (4.8–6.1) is more acidic than Soybeans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Mobile County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Soybeans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Drainage

Drainage is adequate for Soybeans.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). Annual compost additions will help Soybeans.

How to Plant Soybeans

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Soybeans

3
successive plantings in your 266-day season

Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.

Soybeans Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft

Monthly Watering Guide for Soybeans

Soybeans needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Soybeans Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Dec 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Mobile County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Soybeans Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Soybeans needs ~2,275 GDD — county provides 6,051 GDD Excellent fit

Soybeans Planting Timeline — Coden, AL

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 10 Mar 10 – Mar 31
Harvest June 2 Jun 2 – Jul 28

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient

📅 Days to Maturity

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

266 days in Mobile County

Growing Tips for Soybeans in Coden

Direct sow Soybeans outdoors after March 03 in Mobile County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Mobile County dries quickly — mulch Soybeans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

With summer highs reaching 97°F in Mobile County, provide afternoon shade for Soybeans and water deeply in the morning.

Common pests for Soybeans in this region include bean beetles and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

Direct sow after soil warms to 60F. Plant in blocks rather than rows for better pollination. Harvest for edamame when pods are plump and bright green.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Onion
  • Garlic

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Soybeans in Coden, AL?

In Coden, AL, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around March 3) and before the first frost (around November 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Coden, AL for Soybeans?

Coden sits in USDA Zone 9a. Soybeans grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Soybeans grow in Coden's climate?

Yes — Soybeans grows well in Coden's temperate climate. Coden averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 3 and first frost around November 24.

🌱

Your Mobile County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mobile County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Mobile County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.