Early-Season Planting

The month of March has really flown by. It doesn’t seem like that long ago we were pushing snow off the driveways. Now we are almost done with anhydrous and dry fertilizer applications. While driving around the area I have started to see planters pulled up to open sheds to get fine tuned for planting in the upcoming weeks. I have even heard some growers say that they plan on planting corn next week if the weather cooperates.

It may seem like a good idea to get your corn in as early as possible, but I would give this strategy some more thought. I like to see the corn planted in conditions where we know the soil is going to keep getting warmer. Planting into soil that has a good chance of cooling down can only slow germination and cause an uneven stand that can even warrant replant.

While it is still best to wait for better conditions, beans are a little more forgiving. If we plant into subpar soil at 130,000 and only 80,000 beans survive, we will still be in good shape. It will also benefit the plant by being able to collect more sunlight throughout the year.

More and more growers are starting to get some of their beans in the ground while they wait for the soil conditions to improve for planting corn. If you decide to go this route, plant the early season beans first, then switch to corn when the soil is right and finish up with your late season beans.

If you have any questions on when the right time to take the planter to the field feel free to give your SFG agronomist a call.