Holly's Homestead
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Holly's Homestead — Legume

Soybeans

Glycine max · Legume family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, direct sown, warm season
MATURITY 80–120 days
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.

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.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby
CornCucumber
Avoid nearby
OnionGarlic
Rotation note
Excellent precursor to heavy feeders like corn or brassicas.