The Extremely Versatile Soybean
Also Known as Edamame
Planting the Soybean
Sow Soybeans seed in average soil in a sunny location after danger of frost and soil has warmed, from spring to early summer. Sow after the soil has warmed, as seeds may rot in cooler soils.
Coat untreated seed with an inoculant.
Sow in rows 24 inches apart. Sow seeds 3 inches apart and cover with 1 inch of fine soil. Firm lightly and water gently.
Seedlings emerge in 10-14 days depending on soil and weather conditions.
Keep sowing bush bean seeds every 2 weeks for a constant supply of beans.
Thin gradually to stand 6 inches apart when seedlings are 1-2 inches high.
Because beans are members of the legume family of plants, they can benefit from an application of a soil inoculant designed for beans and peas, prior to planting.
The inoculant will enable the plants to take nitrogen from the air to use as fertilizer, which can increase crop yield and quality.
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How to Grow Soybeans
In dry weather, keep soil well-watered. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.
Cultivate or mulch to keep weed-free, but do not work or handle plants when leaves are wet.
Soybeans as companion plants:
Planted closely in rows spaced around two feet, bush soybean plants blend well with like-sized warm-season vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and eggplants. Between towers of pole bean plants, planting vines such as squash can help keep weeds down. Pole beans can help protect cool-season vegetables such as spinach and lettuces, as the weather warms.
Harvest and Preserving Tips for Soybeans
For fresh use, pick pods as soon as well-filled out with peas.
For dried bean use, harvest in about 80 days, when the pods start to dry on the plant.
To Dry Beans: Allow the beans to stay on the plants until they are partially dry. Then pull up the plants and hang them in a warm, dry place with good air circulation until the pods and seeds are thoroughly dry. Shell the beans and save the pods and plants for composting.