Soybeans — Grow Guide — Holly's Homestead

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Sun

Full sun

Water

Regular

Soil pH

6.0–7.0

Spacing

8–10cm × 45cm

Depth

3–4cm

01Nitrogen fixers

A vigorous, bushy summer legume that fixes a good amount of nitrogen and can be picked young as edamame or left to dry for storage beans.

02Planting

Method

Direct sow once soil has warmed.

Soil

Well-drained, moderately fertile.

Timing

Sow in late spring once frost risk has passed.

Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.

03Growing care

Water regularly, especially through pod fill.
Weed while young.
Pick young pods for edamame, or leave to dry for storage beans.
Leave roots in place after harvest for the nitrogen benefit.

04Problems

Bean fly — can affect young seedlings; grow strongly to outpace damage.
Powdery mildew — humid conditions; improve airflow.
Pod borer — monitor developing pods.
Bird and rodent damage to seed — protect at sowing.

05Harvest & storage

Signs

For edamame: pods plump but still green. For dry beans: pods brown and rattle.

Method

Pick pods by hand, or pull whole plants for dry beans.

Curing

Dry thoroughly if storing as dry beans.

Storage

Fresh edamame: fridge a few days. Dry beans: airtight, over a year.

Preserving

If eating fresh, see Freezing Produce (blanch and freeze); if left to dry, see Canning & Bottling for canning cooked beans.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby

CornCucumber

Avoid nearby

OnionGarlic

Rotation note

Excellent precursor to heavy feeders like corn or brassicas.