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Edamame,Glycine max, is an edible soybean originating in Japan.
In addition to its nutritional value, edamame is ideal for crop rotation and well-suited toorganic practices.
Pods are boiled whole then the sweet, nutty beans are removed and eaten much like boiled peanuts.
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When to Plant Edamame
Edamame is a warm-season crop directly sown after the final frost.
Soil temperatures should reach 55F and air temperatures remain at 60F or higher.
Cold, wet soil causes seeds to rot.
Plants are sensitive to day length which determines how much time is needed from planting to harvest.
Depending on the variety beans may be ready for picking from 65 to 110 days.
Seed packets should give information about when to plant foryour U.S. hardiness zoneand days to harvest.
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How to Plant Edamame
Choose an area that receives at least six hours of sun daily.
Set them 1/2 - to 1-inch deep and cover with soil.
Plants emerge in one to two weeks.
When they reach 4 inches tall, thin the crop to 6 inches between plants.
Aim to provide an inch of water weekly in lieu of rainfall.
Edamame are somewhat drought tolerant but insufficient water causes lower yields.
Wait until plants lose their leaves and pods turn yellow.
Most can be discouraged by rotating crops and using row covers.
Avoid planting edamame in the same location where beans were grown the previous year.
Hand-pick pests or spray your crop with insecticidal soap.
White mold andpowdery mildeware fungal infections that usually occur during periods of high humidity.
Remove and dispose of plants infected with white mold.
Edamame does not require a trellis.
