Soybean Farming Basics

Soybeans are America's second-largest crop and one of the most versatile plants you can grow. From fresh edamame to dried beans for cooking, soybeans offer excellent nutrition and the bonus of fixing nitrogen in your soil.

Why Grow Soybeans?

• Nitrogen Fixation: Improves soil fertility for future crops
• High Protein: Complete plant protein source
• Versatility: Eat fresh as edamame or dried for cooking
• Easy to Grow: Low maintenance once established

Varieties for Home Growing

Edamame (Vegetable Soybeans)

• Envy: Early maturing, great flavor, 75 days
• Butterbean: Large seeds, sweet taste, 90 days
• Midori Giant: Big pods, excellent fresh eating, 85 days

Dry Soybeans

• Black Jet: Black soybeans for cooking, 100 days
• Shirofumi: White beans for tofu making, 95 days

Planting Soybeans

When to Plant

Soybeans need warm soil (60°F minimum) and are sensitive to frost. Plant after your last frost date when soil has warmed:

• Northern states: Late May to early June
• Central states: Mid-April to May
• Southern states: March to April

Planting Guidelines

• Plant seeds 1-1.5 inches deep
• Space 2-4 inches apart in rows
• Rows 24-30 inches apart
• Inoculate seeds with rhizobium bacteria for best nitrogen fixation

Growing Care

Water Requirements

Soybeans need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and pod fill. Aim for 1 inch per week. Drought during flowering causes poor pod set.

Fertilization

Thanks to nitrogen fixation, soybeans rarely need nitrogen fertilizer. Apply phosphorus and potassium based on soil tests.

Weed Control

Keep the area weed-free for the first 4-6 weeks. After that, the plant canopy shades out most weeds.

Harvesting

For Edamame

Harvest when pods are plump and bright green but before they start yellowing (about 80% pod fill). Blanch immediately and freeze for storage.

For Dry Beans

Let plants dry in the field until leaves drop and pods rattle. Harvest before pods shatter. Thresh and store dried beans in a cool, dry place.