BEAN-SOYBEAN EDAMAME

How to Grow Edamame (Edible Soybeans)

1. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Ensure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost to improve fertility and structure.
3. Plant heritage edamame seeds 2.5-3 cm (1-1.5 inches) deep and 10 cm (4 inches) apart in rows spaced 60 cm (24 inches) apart.
4. Keep the soil moist, but not drenched as these seeds are prone to rot from overwatering.  Once sprouted you can keep them watered during flowering and pod development. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently in dry conditions.
5. Edamame grows best in temperatures between 18-30°C (65-85°F). Protect young plants from unexpected frost by using row covers if necessary.
6. Use a balanced fertiliser at planting time and then side-dress with compost or a low-nitrogen fertiliser when the plants start to flower.
7. Keep the garden bed free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
8. Edamame is ready to harvest when the pods are plump and bright green, typically 70-90 days after planting. To harvest, simply cut the entire plant at the base and then remove the pods.
9. Monitor for common pests such as aphids and beetles, and use organic pest control methods if needed. Rotate crops annually to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Some additional growing tips for Edamame

1. Inoculation with Rhizobia Bacteria: Edamame, like other legumes, can benefit significantly from being inoculated with Rhizobia bacteria. This symbiotic relationship allows the plant to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, enhancing growth and pod production.  Rhizobia inoculant specific to soybeans is included with your order
2. Pre-Soaking Seeds: This can improve germination rates, if you soak the seeds in warm water for 6-12 hours before planting. It is said to soften the seed coat and speed up the germination process.   I personally find this rots the seed but it will work in certain circumstnaces so you may need to test different methods to find out what works in your garden. 
3. Peta’s Tip: Peta works for the Brisbane Botanical Gardens at Mt Cootha.  If you live in Brisbane her talks are brilliant and free. Just join the Brisbane City Council mailing list for all their talks. I personally recommend Peta’s talks.  She is a treasure trove of information for growing all kinds of things in Brisbane.    Here is her peas, beans and soy bean tip….
   • • If you soak the seeds plant them into dry propagation mix.
     • Is you don’t soak the seeds plant them into well watered propagation mix.
     • Try both methods and see which one works best in your garden.  But remember that overwatering may rot the seed.  And I always recommend you check your climate temperature in your area and your soil temp as well as pH.  Three important must do’s.
4. Companion Planting: Planting edamame alongside certain companion plants can help deter pests and improve growth. Good companions include corn, cucumbers, and potatoes, which can help create a microclimate that benefits edamame.
5. Shade Management: While edamame prefers full sun, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent stress and heat damage. Use shade cloths or strategically plant taller crops nearby to provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
6. Soil pH Management: Edamame prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Test your soil’s pH and amend it with lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it, if necessary, to create the optimal growing environment.
7. Protection from Birds: Birds can be a significant problem, particularly when the seeds are first sown and during the pod development stage. Use bird netting or reflective tape to keep birds from damaging your crops.
8. Foliar Feeding: In addition to regular fertilization, foliar feeding with a seaweed or fish emulsion spray can provide essential micronutrients directly to the plant leaves. Apply this every 2-3 weeks during the growing season for a nutrient boost.
9. Monitoring for Heat Stress: Edamame plants can suffer from heat stress in extremely hot climates. Look for signs such as leaf curling or wilting. If you notice these signs, increase watering and consider using mulch to help retain soil moisture.
10. Harvest Timing: The timing of the harvest can significantly impact the flavor and texture of edamame. Pods should be harvested when they are plump but still bright green. If left too long, they can become tough and less flavorful. Taste a few pods to determine the best harvest time.
11. Timing for Successive Plantings: For a continuous harvest throughout the season, consider successive plantings every 2-3 weeks. This staggered planting ensures you have fresh edamame available over a longer period.

Heritage of Edamame Soy Beans