Growing Soybeans in Missouri

Till the soil in an area of your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Till to a depth of at least 10 inches to break up any weed roots and expose moist subsoil. It is important that young soybean plants not have to compete with weeds and have full contact with moist soil from the very beginning.

Add 1 to 2 inches of organic soil amendments such as compost or manure while you till. The heavier or denser your soil (such as clay soils), the more amendment you should add. Mixing in these amendments with your soil will help the soil drain, reducing the chance of disease from wet roots.

Plant your seeds depending on rainfall and climate in your area. The University of Missouri Extension service recommends a planting date of early May to mid-June for southwest, central and northern areas of the state and late April to early June for the southeast. Later planting can result in reduced growth thanks to warmer and moister weather.

Sow each soybean seed 1 to 1 1/2 inch deep in the soil and never more than 2 inches deep. This will allow the seeds to get the water, nutrients and light they need. Space seeds out so that you can fit eight seeds per foot of space and so rows are spaced 30 inches apart.

Water your soybean seeds and young plants from the base anytime the top 2 inches of soil dries out; depending on rainfall in your area, you may not need to water at all. As the bean pods begin to develop, increase this watering to anytime the top 1 inch of soil dries out to make sure the plant has the extra energy to produce beans.

Fertilize soybeans with a low-nitrogen fertilizer once the plants begin to sprout. Do not apply fertilizer directly to the plants, as this can burn the young plants. Follow specific product instructions regarding application and dilution rate, as this varies by product.

Remove any weeds as soon as you notice them begin to crop up to prevent competition for water and nutrients. Pull the weeds or hoe to break up the roots.