Download Free Vegetable Growing Guide PDF
Growing Organic Soybeans in the Vegetable Garden
Soybeans thrive in well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Before planting, it's a good idea to work compost or organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Soybeans should be directly sown into the ground after the last frost when the soil has warmed to at least 55 F. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 inch. Place the seeds about 10 inches apart in rows spaced 18 to 36 inches apart.
Soybeans need consistent moisture, particularly during flowering and pod development. Water them deeply and regularly. Be careful not to overwater, as soybeans are susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.
Harvesting Organic Soybeans
To terminate, chop or mow the soybeans with a string trimmer, lawnmower, or sickle. Tops can be worked into the soil with a tiller or fork/shovel, or left on the surface to decompose over time.
About Organic Soybean Garden Seeds
Initially domesticated in China, soybeans have played a crucial role in Asian agriculture and cuisine. They were introduced to North America in the 18th century, primarily as a forage crop, but their use quickly expanded due to their nutritional value and versatility.
This variety is particularly great for sprouting purposes as well. To sprout soybeans, soak the beans in water for 8-12 hours. Drain and rinse the beans, then place them in a sprouting jar or a tray, keeping them in a dark, warm place. Rinse the beans twice daily, and within 3-5 days, you’ll see small sprouts emerging. Once the sprouts are about 1-2 inches long, they are ready to eat.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"To reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers, grow soybeans and then after the harvest, leave the rest of the plants (or at least the roots) in place and either let them die and decompose naturally or till them into the soil. This ensures that all the nitrogen the plant worked hard to capture remains in the soil for next year."
 |
- Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer |
Other Resources
Organic Soybean Seeds Per Package:
- 30 g - Wholesale - Approximately 235 Seeds
- 8 oz - Wholesale - Approximately 1,776 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 3,552 Seeds
- 2.5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 8,850 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 17,760 Seeds
- 25 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 88,800 Seeds
- 30 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 106,560 Seeds
Non-GMO Organic Soybean seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Glycine max
|
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. Sprouting - Sprouting beans are a category of beans, popular for growing sprouts. These typically include mung, adzuki, and garbanzo, and also include a small fava and soybeans that are grown as sprouts. |
Organic Soybean Color: |
Green, Yellow |
Organic Soybean Flavor: |
Mild and nutty when young, then maturing to an earthy, denser flavor when fully ripe. |
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: |
18-36 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: |
6-12 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: |
Edamame, Tofu, Tempeh, Soy Milk, Soy Sauce, Animal Feed, Boiled, Stir-fries, Soups, Purees, Stews, Etc. |
Climate Tolerance: |
N/A |