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Growing Tohya Soybean Beans in the Vegetable Garden

The seeds should be sown directly into the soil after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 55 F, typically in late spring. Before planting, enrich the soil with a balanced fertilizer or compost. Sow the seeds about 1 to 1.5 inches deep into well-draining soil. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and well-tilled to provide a good start for the seeds. Space the seeds about 8 to 15 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart. This spacing allows the plants to grow without overcrowding, ensuring adequate airflow and reducing disease risk.

They thrive in full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. Sowing too early may cause thick plant growth; it is best to sow seeds in the summer. However, late sowing with plants too close together may decrease yield. Warm day temperatures and cool night temperatures are vital for good results. Seeds will rot or not germinate altogether if overwatered. Keep soils moist but not soaked before they sprout. Fertilize as needed. Avoid high nitrogen content. Soybeans prefer a temperate climate and have no frost tolerance. These plants may need support when they get large but can be fine without it. For cooler climates, soybeans can do well in frames, unheated greenhouses, or under cloches.

Harvesting Tohya Soybean Beans

Tohya soybeans can be harvested at different stages depending on their intended use. For edamame, harvest the pods when plump and still green, usually around 90 days after planting. At this stage, the beans inside the pods should be fully formed but still tender. Simply pull the pods off the plant by hand or use garden shears to harvest.

If you harvest the beans for their mature black seeds, wait until the pods have dried on the plant, typically 20-30 days later than the edamame stage. The pods will turn brown and dry out, signaling that the beans inside are ready. The beans are hard at this stage and must be shelled from the pods. To harvest, either pull up the entire plant and hang it upside down to dry further or pick the dry pods individually.

About Tohya Soybean Bean Garden Seeds

The young green pods are best steamed, boiled, or stir-fried. Preserve them easily by freezing them. Prepare edamame, a traditional Japanese treat, by boiling fresh pods in salted water for 3-4 minutes and serving them as a healthy appetizer or snack.

Soybeans are rich in protein. The dry beans can be made into flour, soy milk, or soaked and boiled into soups. The applications for these beans are plentiful!

Tohya soybeans are relatively untargeted by pests. Their biggest concern is cold temperatures.

Also known as soy beans, soja bean, vegetable bean, soya bean, Edamame, Kuromame, Tohya Mame, Qing dou, Mao dou, Tai tau, Da dou, hak tau, and Daizu.

Tips From Our Gardeners

"Lightly salted edamame has been one of my favorite snacks throughout my life. These little capsules are delectable!"

- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer