So, this article is aimed at commercial growers, but if you happen to have a few plots of land to grow stuff, #CoverCrops and #CropRotation is the way to go!

Top 10 Expert Tips for Growing #OrganicSoybeans: Boost Yield & #Sustainability

Excerpt: "Cover Cropping for Soil Fertility

Cover crops like clover, rye, or hairy vetch are game-changers for organic soybean farmers. They fix nitrogen, suppress weeds, and improve soil structure. For example, red clover can add up to 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre, reducing the need for external inputs. Plant cover crops in the off-season and terminate them before soybean planting, either by mowing or rolling. Sample Cover Crop Plan: Year 1: Red clover (fall-planted); Year 2: Organic soybeans; Year 3: Winter wheat followed by a summer cover like buckwheat. This rotation boosts fertility and disrupts pest cycles.

Expert Insight: A 2023 study from Cornell University found that cover crops increased organic soybean yields by up to 15% compared to fields without them.

Tip 3 – Implement Effective Crop Rotation

Benefits of Rotation for Organic Soybeans

Crop rotation is a cornerstone of organic farming, reducing pest and disease pressure while enhancing soil health. Rotating soybeans with crops like corn, wheat, or alfalfa prevents the buildup of soybean-specific pathogens like SCN. It also improves soil structure and nutrient availability. For instance, corn residues add organic matter, while alfalfa fixes nitrogen, benefiting subsequent soybean crops.

Planning a Rotation Schedule

Design a 3-5 year rotation plan tailored to your farm’s needs. A sample rotation might include: Year 1: Corn; Year 2: Organic soybeans; Year 3: Winter wheat; Year 4: Cover crop (e.g., clover); Year 5: Back to soybeans. Avoid planting soybeans in the same field consecutively to minimize disease risk. Case Study: John Miller, an organic farmer in Iowa, increased his soybean yields by 10 bushels per acre after adopting a corn-soybean-wheat rotation, as reported by the Practical Farmers of Iowa."

Read more:
https://agricarehub.com/organic-soybeans/

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowingSoybeans
#HarvestingSoybeans #GrowYourOwn
#GrowYourOwnFood #Soybeans #SoybeanCrops

So, this is a pretty good article... Again, if using #InsecticidalSoap (which it recommends against aphids), be careful about when you apply it (don't apply it when they are flowering, maybe apply it at night and rinse it off in the morning?)

How To Grow #Soybeans: #Edamame From Scratch

Edamame, or cooked soybean pods, are a popular Japanese snack food. Learn how to grow soybeans at home and you can keep yourself stocked up!

Written by Kendra Meador Horticulture review by Sarah Jay Last updated: January 20, 2026

"When you think of soybeans, what comes to mind? Large agricultural fields full of bushy plants, or maybe you think of soy milk or tofu. Either way, if you haven’t considered growing your own soybeans, then exploring how to grow soybeans may inspire you to plant your own soybean crop.

"Some claim soybeans are the oldest food crop in the world, which isn’t surprising, considering soybeans are more than a food source. Then there is edamame, the immature green soybeans that are popular in Asian cuisines. If you haven’t eaten edamame, then you are missing out on a scrumptious meal or snack and once you try them, you will want to grow your own.

"Soybeans are an easy crop to grow and care for because they don’t need a lot of special attention, plus they are similar to other bean crops (though not the same). This guide will go over exactly what you need to do, from sowing to harvesting soybeans, so you can be munching on your own edamame by the end of the growing season."

https://www.epicgardening.com/how-to-grow-soybeans/

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowingSoybeans
#HarvestingSoybeans #GrowYourOwn
#GrowYourOwnFood #SoybeanCrops

#JohnnysSeeds - #Soybean - Key Growing Information

"SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Glycine max

CULTURE:
After the last frost date plant 2" apart, 1" deep, rows 15–30" apart in any good garden soil. Upright plants are easier to cultivate. For nitrogen-fixing inoculants, which can increase yields,use those formulated for soybean crops. In extremely rich soils, plants sometimes exhibit overly lush growth, growing too tall to stand up. In this case, plants should be hilled up with soil. Soybeans can stand somewhat dry conditions, but irrigation may be necessary during drought periods.

FRESH SOYBEAN HARVEST AND COOKING:
For determinate varieties, most pods ripen at once. Clip plants near base when the beans are plump in the pods. Beans attain their highest fresh weight just as pods begin to lose their bright green color. Hand-strip remaining leaves and tie small bunches of plants for retailing. Shelling tips: strip pods, rinse, and steam or boil for about five minutes or until tender, after which the beans can be easily popped from the pods. Boil in salt water to complete cooking. Package for freezing at this point.

DRY SOYBEAN HARVEST:
When at least 90% of the leaves have fallen and the pods are dry, pull the plants out by the roots. Complete drying under cover if weather is wet.

THRESHING:
Depending on quantity, thresh by (1) shelling pods individually; (2) holding several plants by the roots and banging back and forth inside a barrel or trash can; (3) stepping on a large, closed bag full of dry plants; or (4) using a properly adjusted threshing machine.

STORAGE:
Make sure beans are dry (max. 9% moisture) and then store in a cool place or freeze to control storage insect pests."

Source:
https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/vegetables/beans/soybean-key-growing-information.html

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowingSoybeans #HarvestingSoybeans #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #Soybeans #SoybeanCrops

So, if #GoatMilk isn't your thing, let's talk about #SoyMilk... A friend who is a #MOFGA-certified organic farmer and is #Vegan atttempted to grow soybeans in one of his fields. He said it was nearly impossible to grow them without pesticides, especially with #JapaneseBeetles here in #Maine. Sure, he used beetle traps, but a sex lure can only do so much -- beetles gotta eat! And as far as making one's own soy milk and tofu -- well, it takes almost a thousand soy beans to produce a small block of tofu (and if you do it right, you'll end up with some soy milk to drink). So, if you want to give it a go, I'd say try growing a dozen or so soybean plants, harvest the soybeans, then make your own tofu and soy milk (you'll probably just end up with one batch). And I'll tell you -- the stuff made from freshly grown, organic soybeans has a delightfully nutty taste that you don't get with most of the commercial stuff (I haven't found any that compares to the homemade stuff).

That being said, I will be posting about #GrowingSoybeans, #HarvestingSoybeans, and making #Tofu and #SoyMilk at home for a bit, before finishing up with articles about #HempCrete. Stay tuned...

#SolarPunkSunday #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #Gardening #GrowingSoybeans