Grow and Save Soybean Seeds

How to Grow Soybeans

In the US, soybeans are grown as a commodity crop and primarily used for oil and animal feed. However, soybeans are also an excellent crop for home gardeners, who can enjoy them in Asian inspired cuisines or more simply as steamed edamame.

Time of Planting

Plant in early spring, as soon as soil can be worked.

Spacing Requirements

Plant the seeds ½ inch deep 2-3 inches apart once the danger of frost has passed. Thin to 6″ in all directions.

Common Pests and Diseases

Soybeans can suffer from powdery mildew, leaf blight, root rot, and other bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Deer can also put significant pressure on soybean plants. Protect your beans from pests like deer by using row cover or fencing.

When and How to Harvest for Food Consumption

Soybeans can be harvested in the snap/green stage or the dry stage. When soybeans are young and green, they are ready for harvest when the seeds have formed but the pods are still tender. Dry soybeans are ready for harvest when the pods are dry and brittle and the seeds inside are hard.

Eating

Fresh soybeans can be lightly steamed in their pods and then enjoyed as edamame. Fresh soybeans are also used in soups, stews, stir fries, and in homemade tofu.

Storing

Fresh soybeans will store for over a week in the refrigerator. Dry soybeans have a shelf life of several years.

How to Save Soybean Seeds

Life Cycle

Annual

Recommended Isolation Distance

When saving seeds from soybeans, separate varieties by at least 10-20 feet.

Recommended Population Sizes

You can save seeds from soybean even if you only grow one plant. To maintain a variety over time, save seeds from between 5-10 plants.

Assessing Seed Maturity

Harvest the soybean seeds when they are hard and their pods are dry and brittle.

Harvesting

If the soybean pods are not completely dry before the first frost, pull the plants up and dry them further indoors.

Cleaning and Processing

When the soybean pods are completely dry, break them open to release the seeds. On a small scale, harvested material can be threshed by placing it into a sack, on a tarp, or into a storage container and gently treading on it. The thin coats of soybeans are prone to cracking and the embryos are easily damaged, so be careful when cleaning seeds.

Storage and Viability

Store soybean seeds in a cool, dark, and dry place and keep them in an airtight container to keep out moisture and humidity. Under these conditions, soybean seeds will remain viable for three to four years.

Learn more about storing seeds.