An ancient crop of the Orient, soybeans (Glycine max ‘Edamame’) are just beginning to become an established staple of the Western world. While it’s not the most commonly planted crop in home gardens, many people are taking to growing soybeans in fields and reaping in the health benefits these crops provide.
How to Grow Soybeans
Soybean plants are fairly easy to grow — about as easy as bush beans and planted much the same way. Growing soybeans can occur when soil temperatures are 50 F. (10 C.) or so but more ideally at 77 F. (25 C.). When growing soybeans, don’t rush planting as cold soil temperatures will keep the seed from germinating, and stagger planting times for a continuous harvest. Soybean plants at maturation are quite large (2 feet tall), so when planting soybeans, be aware that they are not a crop to attempt in a small garden space. Make rows 2-2 ½ feet apart in the garden with 2-3 inches between plants when planting soybeans. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Be patient; germination and maturation periods for soybeans are longer than most other crops.
Growing Soybean Problems
- Don’t sow soybean seeds when the field or garden is overly wet, as cyst nematode and sudden death syndrome may affect the growth potential.
- Low soil temperatures will prevent germination of the soybean plant or cause root rotting pathogens to flourish.
- In addition, planting soybeans too early may also contribute to high populations of bean leaf beetle infestations.
Harvesting Soybeans.
Soybean plants are harvested when the pods (edamame) are still an immature green, prior to any yellowing of the pod. Once the pod turns yellow, the quality and flavor of the soybean is compromised. Pick by hand from the soybean plant, or pull the entire plant from the soil and then remove pods.
