How to Grow Soybeans in Georgia

Examine the soil in the desired planting site to make sure that it does not contain too much sand or clay, both of which are prevalent in Georgia. If necessary supplement the soil with 4 to 6 inches of compost or other organic matter. This is usually only necessary for backyard gardens, as crop fields typically have adequate soil from crop rotations.

Insert a shovel into the ground as far as it will go and dig up the soil. Examine the soil carefully for small, white worms which are called nematodes. If no nematodes are found, spot check several other areas of the planting site. If nematodes are found, choose a soybean seed that is resistant to the worms.

Till the ground 4 to 5 inches in most areas of Georgia using a tiller. If you live in a coastal area, till the ground much deeper reaching a depth of 12 to 14 inches to allow for proper root development of the soybeans.

Plant the soybean seeds between May 10 and June 10. Plant seeds 1 to 1 1/4 inch deep into damp soil and space each row of soybeans between 1 and 3 feet apart. If you are planting an entire crop of soybeans, the University of Georgia Extension recommends a seed application rate of 145,000 per acre.

Water the soybean seeds and plants with at least 2 1/2 to 3 inches of water each week. Supply additional water during periods of drought or if you notice the leaves of the plants starting to wilt.

Spray the soil around the soybeans with a post-emergent herbicide when the soybean plants are approximately 2 to 4 inches high. Removing all surrounding weeds will prevent them from competing with the soybeans for ground moisture.