How To Plant Soybeans Without A Planter? A Step By Step Guide

Last Updated on March 22, 2023 by Md Deloar Hossain

Do you have a soybean field but don’t have a planter? And also, don’t you know how to plant soybeans without a planter? 

You can plant soybeans without using a planter in a couple of different ways. Spreading the beans out on the ground and covering them with dirt is one method. Another option is to put the beans in a big pot and cover them with soil. After the beans have grown, you can remove the plants and harvest the soybeans.

This blog post will walk you through how to plant soybeans without a planter. It is straightforward and doable in just a few easy steps. So gather your supplies, and let’s get started!

How To Plant Soybeans Without A Planter

If you’re going to plant soybeans without a planter, how do you get the seeds in the soil? 

You can plant soybeans seeds using your hand, and it doesn’t require any special tools or equipment.

Select The Correct Type Of Soybean Seeds

Make sure to select a soybean variety that is meant for direct seeding. There are many different varieties of soybeans, so be sure to do your research ahead of time.

Many companies offer a “direct seed” line of soybean varieties specifically designed to be planted without a planter.

It is vital to use seeds meant for direct seeding because they will have more uniformity in the germination process and emergence from the soil than other seeds.

These varieties also tend to have better disease resistance than those meant for planting with a planter.

Pick The Proper Soil Type

If you’re planting soybeans without a planter, it’s crucial to select suitable soil. The best soybean yield requires well-drained soil with good fertility and pH around neutral (pH between six to seven).

Soybeans will grow in many soil types, but they prefer loamy, sandy, or silty soils.

Plant At The Right Time

The best time to plant soybeans without a planter is when the soil has warmed up and dried out. Soybeans germinate and emerge best when the soil temperature is between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can use a soil thermometer to determine if the soil is warm enough to plant soybeans is to take a soil temperature reading. 

Prepare The Seedbed

Next, you will want to prepare the seedbed for planting soybeans. Use a moldboard plow or disk harrow to till the soil and prepare it for planting soybeans without a planter.

Moldboard plows work well in heavy soils, while disk harrows work well in light soils.

If you’re using a moldboard plow, then make sure to set the depth of the blade to one inch deep. Set it to two inches deep if you’re using a disk harrow.

After tilling the soil, it is essential to smooth it out using a plow. This will help ensure good seed-soil contact and uniform germination.

Inoculate The Seeds

It is essential to inoculate soybean seeds before planting them. You can use either dry or liquid inoculant to inoculate seeds. 

When using a liquid inoculant, mix it with water and pour it over the seeds before planting.

If using a granular inoculant, spread it over the top of the soil before planting.

Both liquid and granular inoculants are available at most garden centers or home improvement stores.

Plant The Seeds

Next, you will want to plant the soybeans without a planter. Broadcasting or drilling can be used to do this, and both are good ways. 

Broadcasting is the easiest way to plant soybeans without a planter. Just scatter them over the soil and then rake them in.

Drilling is more accurate for seed placement, but it takes longer. You will need a manual or power seeder to drill soybeans.

Tips To get the best results from regular planting, use a seeding rate of 140,000 seeds per acre and a planting depth of two inches.

Weeds Control

After planting soybeans, it is essential to control weeds. This can be done by using a pre-emergence herbicide or post-emergence herbicide.

Both herbicides are available at most garden centers or home improvement stores. It is essential to read the herbicide label to ensure that it is safe to use on soybeans.

Cultivating The Plants

After the soybeans have germinated and emerged from the soil, you must cultivate them regularly. There are two ways to do this: with a rotating hoe or by hand with a weeder. Rotary hoes work well in heavy soils, while hand weeders work well in light soils.

Set it to one inch deep if you’re using a rotary hoe. Using a hand weeder, use your fingers to pull any weeds growing near the soybean plants.

Keep Animals Away From The Plants

During the early stages of growth, it is essential to keep animals away from soybean plants.

The animals can be kept away from the soybeans by building a fence or using other ways to keep them away from them. 

When using a fence, make sure that it is at least four feet tall.

If you’re using a method other than a fence, then make sure that it effectively keeps the animals away from the soybeans.

Animals can destroy a soybean crop, so keeping them away from the plants is crucial.

Thin Out The Soybean Crops

Thin out the soybean crops when they reach a height of six inches. This can be done by removing the plants growing the furthest away from each other.

Be careful not to remove too many plants because this can reduce the number of soybeans you produce.

Removing the plants that are growing the furthest away from each other will help to ensure that the soybean plants have enough space to grow.

Fertilizing The Soybean Plants

It is essential to fertilize the soybean plants regularly to ensure good growth. You can use a liquid fertilizer or a dry fertilizer.

Liquid fertilizers are easy to use and available at most garden centers or home improvement stores.

Granular or dry fertilizers are more challenging to use, but they are available at most agricultural supply stores.

Weed The Area Regularly

Weed the area around the soybean plants regularly by using a hoe or a hand weeder.

If you’re using a hoe, make sure it is sharp to cut through the soil and remove the weeds.

When using a hand weeder, use your fingers to pull any weeds growing near the soybean plants.

Weeding the area around the soybean plants will help to ensure that the soil remains loose and aerated for an extended period.

Water The Soybean Plants Regularly

The soybean germination process requires Adequate soil moisture. Therefore, you need to water the soybean plants regularly.

If you’re using a garden hose, make sure it is long enough to reach all parts of your yard.

And while using a sprinkler system, make sure that it works properly and does not leak.

Watering the soybean plants will help to ensure that they have enough water to grow properly. 

Harvesting Soybeans

When the soybean plants have reached a height of about three feet, it is time to harvest them. Soybeans are ready to harvest when they turn brown and dry out. This usually takes place in late summer or early fall.

Harvest The Pods

Harvest the pods by cutting them off the plant with a knife or scissors. Make sure that you cut the pod off close to the plant to don’t damage the plant.

Blanch And Shock The Pods

Blanch and shock the pods by placing them in boiling water for two minutes. Then, please place them in ice water for two minutes. Blanching and shocking the pods will help to preserve their color and flavor.

Remove The Beans From The Pods

Remove the beans from the pods by shelling them. You can do this by hand or with a bean sheller.

Use and Store The Beans

Use the beans in your favorite recipes. You can preserve them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

FAQ On How To Plant Soybeans Without A Planter

Can You Broadcast Soybeans?

Soybeans can be broadcasted, but it isn’t easy to do so. Plant the beans in a place where they can be seen. The broadcast must be timed so that all of the beans reach maturity at the same time. People can also use broadcasts to introduce new soybeans to their area. 

Should Soybeans Be Soaked Before Planting?

Some farmers believe that soaking the beans helps them germinate and grow more quickly, while others find that it makes no difference. Ultimately, it is up to the individual farmer to decide whether or not to soak their soybeans before planting.

What Is The Best Way To Grow Soybeans?

The best way to grow soybeans is to plant them in early spring, after the last frost. They should be planted in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Soybeans do not tolerate drought well, so keep the soil moist. Give them plenty of room to grow, as they can reach up to 2 feet tall. Harvest the soybeans when the pods are brown and dry, typically in the fall.

Will Soybeans Come Up If Planted Too Deep?

No, soybeans will not come up if planted too deep. The soybean plant is a legume, and legumes have a deep taproot system. If the soybean plant is planted too deep, the taproot will not reach the soil’s surface, and the plant will not be able to grow.

How Many Days Does It Take Soybeans To Germinate?

Soybeans typically germinate within three to four days. The time it takes for them to germinate may be affected by factors such as the temperature and moisture of the soil.

When Should I Plant Soybeans?

After the last frost, the best time to plant soybeans is spring. Soybeans need about 60 days to mature, so plant them as early as possible.

Conclusion

The steps in how to plant soybeans without a planter are outlined above. Follow those guidelines for the best results, and you’ll be able to grow healthy, productive soybean plants that yield plenty of beans.