Soybeans Garden Guide

Soybeans Stat Summary

Plant Spacing: 2-4" (50-101 mm)
Row Spacing: 24-30" (609-762 mm)
Planting Depth: 1" (25 mm)
Plants Per Person: 20
Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (16-21°C)
Days to Emergence: 14-21
Recommended Soil PH: 6.0-7.0
Earliest Outdoor Planting: After Last Frost
Can direct seed outdoors
Can seed indoors

Planting Soybeans

Prefer a sunny location with loose well drained soil that is moderately rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Sow soybeans 1 inch deep and spaced 2 inches between plants (4 to 6 inches apart for sprawling varieties)in rows 24 to 30 inches apart about 2 weeks after the danger of frost has passed. Do not over water immediately after planting.

Growing Soybeans

Keep planting beds evenly moist until soybeans have pushed through the soil. Water a moderate amount regularly during flowering and pod formation. Mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Harvesting and Storing Soybeans

They can be eaten at either the shell or dry stage or as sprouts. For shell beans, pick when pods are plump but still green and soft. Fresh soybeans lose their flavor so use them immediately after picking. For dry soybeans, harvest entire plants once foliage has yellowed and hang them upside down in a warm, airy place. Once the pods are completely dry, shell and store seeds in an airtight container in a cool location.

Soybeans Insect and Disease Information

Soybeans are rarely bothered by pests. Keep the garden clean and free of debris so that pests can not harbor or over-winter in the garden.

Soybeans Yield Information

Do not eat soybeans raw; they contain trypsin inhibitor which prevents the digestion of proteins. Blanch green soybeans in boiling water for 5 minutes then plunge them into an ice water bath. Boil sprouted beans for at least 5 minutes before eating.