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When to plant Soybeans in Tift County, GA

In Zone 9a (Tift County), direct-sow Soybeans between March 14 and April 4 for spring, after the March 7 last-frost mark.

When to Plant Soybeans in Tift County, GA

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.

Tift County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 139 feet, Tift County receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Soybeans during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Soybeans, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Soybeans root diseases.

Tift County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Tift County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.3

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 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Soybeans Planting Timeline — Tift County, GA

Soybeans Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow March 14 Mar 14 – Apr 4
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 – Aug 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Direct Sow
April Direct Sow
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
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 9a

📆 Growing Season

256 days in Tift County

Growing Tips for Tift County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Soybeans in Tift County, GA?

Tift County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Soybeans planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tift County, GA?

Tift County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

When should I plant Soybeans in Tift County, GA?

In Tift County, GA, plant Soybeans after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Tift County, GA for Soybeans?

Tift 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 Tift County's climate?

Yes — Soybeans grows well in Tift County's temperate climate. Tift County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.

🌱

Your Tift County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Tift 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 Tift County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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