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When to plant Soybeans in Saint Augustine, FL

Soybeans planted in Saint Augustine between February 16 and March 9 matures in 80–120 days — well before the December 2 first frost.

When to Plant Soybeans in Saint Augustine, FL

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.

Saint Augustine, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.

At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Soybeans root diseases.

Saint Augustine, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
296 days
Last Spring Frost February 9
296 growing days
First Fall Frost December 2

Saint Augustine Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-6.1

Drainage

Well Drained

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 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.1" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 2.3" 2" 💧 Light watering

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

Soybeans Planting Timeline — Saint Augustine, FL

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 16 Feb 16 – Mar 9
Harvest May 11 May 11 – Jul 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

80–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

296 days in St. Johns County

Growing Tips for Saint Augustine

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 Saint Augustine, FL?

In Saint Augustine, FL, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Saint Augustine, FL for Soybeans?

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

Can Soybeans grow in Saint Augustine's climate?

Yes — Soybeans grows well in Saint Augustine's temperate climate. Saint Augustine averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.

🌱

Your St. Johns County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for St. Johns County (Zone 9b). 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 St. Johns County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.