Space 15cm apart in rows 45cm apart.
Edamame beans like warm sunny conditions. They are bushy plants which look good in a pot. The pot should be at least 20cm deep and 20cm wide.
Prepare the soil at least two weeks before planting if possible. Dig in some well-rotted farmyard manure or garden compost – about 2 bucketfuls per square meter. This will help retain the moisture and feed the beans.
Once prepared cover the soil with plastic or polythene. The sun will shine on it and warm the soil up.
Plant Out
Edamame beans are very tender so do not plant them out until all risk of frost has gone. Because they do not like cold conditions it may be worth waiting another couple of weeks to allow the soil to warm up. This is usually around late May early June.
If the seedlings in the tray are getting overcrowded repot them into a 9cm or 12cm pot, one bean per pot. The beans will grow on and bush out until it is safe to plant them outside.
Harden the beans off before planting in the garden by putting the pots outside during the day for at least 10 days.
Water the plants well before planting out so that the root ball holds together and the roots get as little disturbance as possible.
Make a hole in the soil about the size of the root ball. Without disturbing the roots, place the plant in the hole and push the soil around the root ball so that the plant is firmly held upright. Firm the soil down.
Water the newly planted bean gently so that the soil is soaked. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet, until the bean plant is growing well.
Water the beans regularly in dry periods. When the bean pods start to develop water the plants two or three times a week.
Weed the beans regularly, particularly when the beans are small.
Support the plants with sturdy twigs between the plants in windy spots. Although they are really self-supporting Edamame beans do benefit from a little help.
Harvest the bean pods when they are 5-8cm long, bright green and when the shape of the beans can be seen on the pod. The beans will be the size of a pea.
To harvest the beans break them off at the stem of the pod. It may be easier to cut them off with strong scissors.
Edamame beans must not be eaten raw as they contain toxins, but these are broken down after boiling for 10 minutes. Steam the pods containing beans then pop the beans out or shell the beans before cooking.
To grow dried beans follow the steps above but leave the pods on the plant to grow large beans inside the pods. Do not pick them until late summer or early autumn when they have dried up. If they are not fully ripe, stalks should be cut and hung upside down in the sun. An open ended shed is ideal as they will be protected from the rain. There must be plenty of air around the stalks to stop them going mouldy. When the pods have dried out, shell them and store the beans in an airtight container.
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