When to plant Soybeans in Suwannee County, FL
Suwannee County's climate puts the Soybeans spring window between March 11 and April 1. aim for a steady week of warm soil before planting.
When to Plant Soybeans in Suwannee County, FL
Top priorities for Suwannee County, Florida gardeners in June
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Suwannee County, Florida this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Collect soybeans at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- First harvests: soybeans
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.
Suwannee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.
At an elevation of 383 feet, Suwannee County receives approximately 53.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season. 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.
Suwannee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-6
Drainage
Well Drained
Soybeans Planting Risk Windows
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 Suwannee County
How your county's soil matches Soybeans's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.0) is more acidic than Soybeans prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Suwannee County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Soybeans will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Soybeans.
How to Plant Soybeans
Succession Planting Soybeans
Sow every 9.1 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 29 to harvest before frost.
Soybeans Water Budget
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 | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Suwannee 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 Planting Timeline — Suwannee County, FL
Soybeans Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 11 | Mar 11 – Apr 1 |
| Harvest | June 3 | Jun 3 – Jul 29 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
80–120 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
267 days in Suwannee County
Growing Tips for Soybeans in Suwannee County
Direct sow Soybeans outdoors after March 04 in Suwannee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Suwannee County dries quickly — mulch Soybeans with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Soybeans in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Soybeans in Suwannee County, FL?
Suwannee County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Suwannee County, FL?
Suwannee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.
When should I plant Soybeans in Suwannee County, FL?
In Suwannee County, FL, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Suwannee County, FL for Soybeans?
Suwannee County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Soybeans grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Soybeans grow in Suwannee County's climate?
Yes — Soybeans grows well in Suwannee County's temperate climate. Suwannee County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.
Your Suwannee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Suwannee 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.