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Growing Shinonome Soybean Beans in the Vegetable Garden
To start growing Shinonome soybeans, choose a well-drained, sunny spot in your garden as these plants thrive in full sun. Since Shinonome is a soybean variety, it should be directly sown into the garden after the last frost when soil temperatures have reached at least 60 F, as cooler soil can inhibit germination. Plant the seeds about 1 inch deep, ensuring good soil contact for optimal germination.
Space the seeds 8-15 inches apart within rows and keep rows 18-24 inches apart to allow enough room for the plants to grow and for air circulation, which helps prevent disease. If you’re planting in a raised bed or smaller space, you can get away with slightly closer spacing but be sure the plants have enough room to spread and get adequate sunlight.
Consistent watering is crucial, especially during flowering and pod formation, to prevent the soil from drying out. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and keep the soil temperature stable. Ensure good air circulation around the plants by keeping them well-spaced and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Rotate crops each year to prevent soil-borne diseases and improve soil health.
Harvesting Shinonome Soybean Beans
To harvest soybeans for natto, pick them when the pods are fully formed, green, and plump, but before they start to yellow or dry out. This stage is crucial because the beans should be mature but still tender, which ensures the best fermentation results for natto. Typically, this occurs around 80 days after planting. To harvest, gently pull the pods from the plant by hand, careful not to damage the beans inside. If you have a larger crop, you can cut the entire plant and strip the pods, but this should be done carefully to avoid damaging the delicate beans. After harvesting, use the beans quickly for natto preparation to maintain their freshness and optimal texture.
About Shinonome Soybean Bean Garden Seeds
Shinonome soybeans are prized in Japan for their excellent fermentation qualities. This variety produces beans that ferment well, resulting in a high-quality natto with a good balance of stickiness and flavor. Natto is celebrated for its taste and health benefits, including being a rich source of probiotics, vitamins, and minerals.
Shinonome soybeans are primarily used in the production of natto, but they can also be used like other soybeans in various dishes. Their nutty flavor and small size make them versatile in the kitchen, whether boiled, steamed, or incorporated into soups and salads.
The beans contain isoflavones, which have been linked to various health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and improving bone health.
Its high yield and relatively easy growing requirements make it a rewarding crop for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"I love soymilk because it is one of the only plant-based types of milk having a significant amount of protein. The Shinonome variety is the best one we stock for making soy milk at home."
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- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer
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Other Resources
Shinonome Soybean Seeds Per Package:
- 7 g - Packet - Approximately 19 Seeds
- 4 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 308 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 1,232 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 6,160 Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 30,800 Seeds
Non-GMO Shinonome Soybean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
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ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Glycine max
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Bean Sub-Type: |
Soybean - Soybeans (aka soya bean, soy bean, soja bean) are shell beans originating in Asia. They are high in protein and are ultra-versatile, used in fermentation, soymilk, tofu, edamame, and countless other culinary uses. Asian - Asian beans encompass a wide spectrum of bean varieties that either originate from Asia or are especially popular in Asian cultures. |
Shinonome Soybean Bean Color: |
Green, Yellow |
Shinonome Soybean Bean Flavor: |
Rich and nutty. |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Annual Crop: Not Intended to Overwinter |
Days to Maturity: |
80 |
Days to Germination: |
5-10 |
Seeding Depth: |
1 inch |
Plant Spacing: |
8-15 inches |
Row Spacing: |
18-24 inches |
Plant Height: |
24-36 inches |
Growth Habit: |
Upright |
Soil Preference: |
Beans prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. As light feeders and nitrogen-fixing legumes, beans do not require nitrogen-heavy fertilizers. |
Temperature Preference: |
Warmer (70-85 F). |
Light Preference: |
Full Sun |
Other
Direct Sow: |
Yes, direct sow when soil temperatures are reliably above 60 F. Planting with an inoculant may increase yields, but is certainly not required for a successful grow. |
Start Indoors: |
Not Recommended. Beans grow best without any root disturbance. We recommend direct sowing instead of transplanting. |
Bean Pollination: |
Beans are self-pollinating as they contain both the male and female parts within their flowers, unlike other fruit and vegetable plants. While they are self-pollinating, having a variety of pollinators and flowers around will improve yields by ensuring the greatest chances for pollinating events to occur. |
Snap or Shell Bean: |
Shell - Shell beans have a non-edible woody or fibrous husk that contains the edible beans within. For example, edamame has the beans inside, but you wouldn't want to eat the husk. Shell beans are also sometimes referred to as shelling beans. |
Pole or Bush Bean: |
Bush - Bush beans grow on low-growing, compact, upright, bushy plants that typically do not need a trellis, pole, or other support. Bush beans are usually favorable to container growing. |
Plant Width: |
12 inches |
Growth Speed: |
Mid - Ready for harvest around 66-86 days. |
Deer Resistant: |
No |
Germination Temperature: |
70-90 F |
Pests and Diseases: |
Beans are susceptible to beetles, aphids, spider mites, and cutworms. Look for signs of chewing, curling leaves, eggs on the undersides of leaves, and leaf discoloration. Keeping your bean plants clean from dust build-up and surrounded by a variety of plants to help deter and prevent pest damage. Beans are also susceptible to powdery mildew, bean blight, rust, and root rot. Maintain a regular watering schedule that avoids overly saturated soil. The roots need adequate time to air out between watering. This will also help prevent common fungal and bacterial diseases from developing. Good air circulation and applying water to the ground rather than the leaves will help maintain healthy bean plant growth. |
Garden Size: |
Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container |
Bean Use: |
Tofu, tempeh, natto, boil, soy milk, fresh, frozen, salad, stir fry, soup. |
Climate Tolerance: |
N/A |