Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Soybeans (Glycine max) grow best in warm, well-drained, fertile soil at pH 6.0–6.8 in full sun. They are legumes and fix atmospheric nitrogen through root nodule bacteria — inoculate seeds with a specific Bradyrhizobium japonicum inoculant before sowing, especially in soils that have not grown soybeans recently, as this dramatically improves yield and reduces fertilizer needs. Direct sow after all frost risk when soil temperature reaches at least 15°C (ideally 18–24°C), 2–3 cm deep and 5–8 cm apart in rows 45–60 cm wide. Thin to 10 cm spacing. Soybeans are short-day plants and flower in response to shortening daylengths — match variety maturity group to your latitude for proper flowering timing. Water consistently during pod fill; drought at this stage dramatically reduces yield. Minimal nitrogen fertilization is needed (the plants supply their own); apply a phosphorus and potassium fertilizer at planting. Bush types are self-supporting; no staking is needed.
