How to Grow Soybeans
Growing soybeans has become increasingly popular with home gardeners. These
warm weather plants are native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. They have
gained popularity here due to their health benefits. They are high in
fiber and protein, and area good source of calcium. They taste good ,too.
Home gardeners find it is easy to grow soybeans. They are grown just like
any other bush bean, and produce high yields.
Days to Maturity:
Plants require about 85 days to harvest. Try succession planting for continuous
harvest over several weeks.
Sowing Soybean Seeds:
Plant outdoors after the last frost date for your area. Soil should be warm
before planting. Sow Soybean seeds 2 inches apart, in rows 20" to 24" apart.
If your garden space is limited, plant in double rows. Water well
after planting, and a second time two to four days later, only if there has
been no rain. Side dress the rows with general purpose fertilizer during
planting.
How to Grow Soybeans:
Soybeans are easy to grow. They grow best in full sun and in warm weather.
They prefer a rich soil, high in nitrogen. Soil should be kept moist for
optimum growth.
Soybeans grow best in rich soil. Add manure and compost prior to planting.
Fertilizer regularly during the growth period.
Harvest soybeans when the pods are full. Rinse the pods, then boil them for
twenty minutes. Allow to cool, then squeeze the pods to remove the beans.
Beans can be frozen or canned.
Did you know? Soybean plants are rich in nutrients. After the harvest,
put plants in the compost pile, turn them into your soil.
Insects and Pests:
Like other beans, soybeans are susceptible to a variety of insects, most
notably beetles. They can be effectively treated with Sevin, Diazinon or
a variety of other insecticides.
Rabbits eat the the tender new leaves. If there are rabbits in your area,
a rabbit fence is not a nicety, it is a necessity. They will devastate a
row of beans in a hurry, eating the tender new leaves. As new ones develop,
they will come back for more.
Diseases of Soybeans:
Bacterial and wilt diseases are common among the Bean family. This plant
disease arrives with summer heat and humidity. This often occurs just before,
or during, the ripening of the crop. Fungicides are recommended in areas
of high heat and humidity.
Hardiness:
Beans are not a hardy plant. They are susceptible to cold and frost. Hold
off planting until a few days before all danger of frost is past. In the
fall, cover the crop on nights when the temperature is expected to go below
40 degrees.
More Information:
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