Blog

When to plant Soybeans in Compton, AR

Plant Soybeans in Compton from April 20 to May 11 in spring. Compton sits in USDA Zone 7b, with last frost around April 13 and first frost on October 22.

When to Plant Soybeans in Compton, AR

Newton County, Arkansas Zone 7b August

What to do in August

Welcome to August in Zone 7b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.

Avg. last frost April 13
Avg. first frost October 22
Soil temp (4") 81°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.4 hrs
  1. It's harvest week for soybeans

    Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.

September prep starts now
  • First harvests: soybeans

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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.

Compton, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.

At an elevation of 881 feet, Newton County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season.

Compton, AR (Zone 7b) Moderate season
192 days
Last Spring Frost April 13
192 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Compton Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Soybeans Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (56 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 4 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 22
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (52 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 13 🍅 Harvest: Jul 6 – Aug 31
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (58 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 23 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 10

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 Compton

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.7–6.8) overlaps with Soybeans's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The silt loam soil in Newton County is excellent for Soybeans — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (2.9%). Annual compost additions will help Soybeans.

How to Plant Soybeans

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

Succession Planting Soybeans

2
successive plantings in your 192-day season

Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jun 24 to harvest before frost.

Soybeans Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/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 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Nov 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Newton 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 ~1,450 GDD — county provides 2,784 GDD Excellent fit

Soybeans Planting Timeline — Compton, AR

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow April 20 Apr 20 – May 11
Harvest July 13 Jul 13 – Sep 7

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Direct Sow
May Direct Sow
June
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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: acceptable

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

📆 Growing Season

192 days in Newton County

Growing Tips for Soybeans in Compton

Direct sow Soybeans outdoors after April 13 in Newton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

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 Compton, AR?

In Compton, AR, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around April 13) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Compton, AR for Soybeans?

Compton sits in USDA Zone 7b. Soybeans grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Soybeans grow in Compton's climate?

Yes — Soybeans grows well in Compton's temperate climate. Compton averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 13 and first frost around October 22.

🌱

Your Newton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Newton County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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