Growing Edamame (immature soybeans) at home is an easy process. Its scientific name is Glycine max. These are immature soybeans rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. You can easily grow it at home and enjoy fresh vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables give you all the nutrients you need. In the step-by-step guide below you’ll learn how to grow it in your garden.
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Scientific Name: Glycine max
How to Grow Edamame at Home
Before planting, we need to understand the basic requirements for growing edamame such as:
- It is a summer crop that requires temperatures between 18°C and 30°C (65°F to 85°F) to grow. It needs full sunlight to grow and is difficult to grow in winter.
- It grows in well-drained, loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.5, which can range from slightly acidic to neutral.
- Edamame needs consistent moisture during flowering and pod formation but avoid waterlogging as this can damage the plants.
Choose the right variety of Edamame
Now that we have figured out its basic requirements, we need to choose the right variety that can grow well depending on our climate and growing conditions. There are many different varieties of Edamame, so we should choose the variety that ripens in about 75-90 days. Some of its popular varieties are Midori Giant, NV, and Agate Green.
Steps to grow edamame plant
When and how to sow seeds
- Edamame seeds should be sown in early summer as its plants are sensitive to frost and cannot grow well in this season. Keep the soil temperature at least 16°C (60°F) for its seeds to germinate well.
- We can sow its seeds directly in the ground. But if you want, you can soak its seeds in water before planting, this can lead to faster germination.
- Loosen the soil in which it is going to be sown to a depth of about 12 inches, this will make it easier to sow the seeds. To enrich the soil, add compost or well-rotted manure to it.
- Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and keep a distance of 2 to 3 inches between each seed. Do not sow too many seeds at the same place, this will make it difficult for the plants to grow. Keep a distance of about 12 to 18 inches between each row. After planting, water the seeds well.
How to Take Care for Edamame Plants
Once the edamame seeds are sown, some basic care is required to ensure their healthy growth which is as follows:
Proper Sunlight
- Edamame needs full sunlight to grow well so make sure it gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Timely Watering
- Keep the soil moist constantly, especially during flowering and pod development. It requires more nutrients during this time. But avoid overwatering it as it can cause root rot. Water it deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions.
Proper Fertilization
- Edamame is a legume and can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, so it usually does not require any nitrogen fertilizer at all.
- Before planting, add a balanced organic fertilizer that is free of nitrogen to the soil to provide the necessary nutrients. This is necessary for proper growth of the plants.
Weeding
- Weeding should be done from time to time around the plants as it takes away nutrients and moisture from the plants, which affects the growth of the plant and the plants are not able to grow properly. So keep the area around your edamame plants weed-free.
Mulching
- Be sure to apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds and control soil temperature.
Keep the plant Pest and Disease Free
Pest infestation or disease is very common. In such a case, the plants need proper care. Although edamame is generally resistant to many pests and diseases, you should keep an eye out for potential problems:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the plant sap. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove them.
- Spider Mites: These pests can be controlled by watering the plants well and spraying them vigorously with water to dislodge them from the leaves.
- Powdery Mildew: High humidity can lead to powdery mildew infection. Ensure good air circulation around the plants to remove moisture and avoid watering the plants from overhead.
When to Harvest Edamame
Edamame is usually ready to harvest about 75 to 90 days after planting, but this also depends on the variety you have grown. The key to harvesting is picking the pods at the right time:
- When to harvest: Harvest the pods when they are bright green, plump and fully developed but before they turn yellow. Make sure the beans inside fill the pod, but the seeds are not hard.
- How to harvest: Use pruning shears or scissors to cut the pods from the plant. You can also uproot the entire plant and remove the pods later as the plants usually produce pods at once, but you can also harvest it a second time if the weather is favorable.
The right way to store and use edamame
Once harvested, the edamame must be used or preserved quickly or else it can go bad:
- Boil fresh edamame beans in salted water for about 5 minutes, drain and serve. The beans are usually eaten raw from the pods.
- If you have a large crop after harvesting, you can store these beans. To store them, blanch the beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then place them in ice water. Once cooled, dry them and store them in an airtight bag.
Growing Edamame in Containers
If you don’t have garden space, you can grow edamame in containers. Here are some tips to keep in mind when growing edamame in containers:
- Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and wide enough to hold several plants. The container should have drainage holes.
- Fill the container with well-draining potting mix.
- Water the plants regularly and place the container in a sunny spot. Container-grown edamame may need more frequent watering than plants grown in the garden.
Growing edamame at home is a simple and rewarding process. It is a fresh, nutritious source of protein. By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily grow it in your garden or containers.
Remember, before starting any new wellness regimen, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is suitable for your specific needs and circumstances.
