Companion Plants for Edamame: Boosting Growth and Flavor

Table of Contents

The Importance of Companion Planting with Edamame

Edamame, also known as soybean, is a nutritious and delicious crop that has been gaining popularity in recent years. However, like all plants, it can benefit from the presence of certain companion plants in its growing environment. Companion planting is the practice of growing different crops together to create mutually beneficial relationships that enhance growth, minimize pest problems, and improve flavor. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best companion plants for edamame and how they can help boost both the health and taste of your harvest.

Section 1: Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a beautiful and edible flower that have a number of benefits when planted alongside edamame. They are known to repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles, which can damage and stunt the growth of young soybean plants. Additionally, nasturtiums' bright flowers and attractive foliage can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden, which can help increase the yield of your edamame crop. Plant nasturtiums around the edge of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for best results.

How to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are easy to grow from seed and can be sown directly in the ground after the last frost date. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Nasturtiums can also be grown in containers, making them a versatile companion plant for edamame gardeners of all sizes.

Section 2: Marigolds

Marigolds are another popular companion plant for edamame, and for good reason. Like nasturtiums, they repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes, which can weaken and stunt the growth of soybean plants. Additionally, marigolds have been shown to improve the flavor of edamame by releasing chemicals that enhance the production of essential oils in the soybean plant. Plant marigolds around the border of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for maximum benefit.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds are an easy-to-grow annual flower that can be ed from seed indoors or sown directly in the ground after the last frost date. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering throughout the growing season.

Section 3: Beans

Beans and edamame are both members of the legume family, which means they have similar nutrient needs and can benefit from each other's presence. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which is an essential nutrient for the growth and development of soybean plants. Additionally, beans' tall, climbing habit can provide shade for young edamame plants, which can help them grow more quickly and robustly. Plant beans in between rows of edamame for best results.

How to Grow Beans

Beans can be grown from seed sown directly in the ground after the last frost date. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, and should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Beans can be grown on trellises or supports, or allowed to sprawl along the ground if space allows.

Section 4: Radishes

Radishes are a fast-growing root vegetable that can help improve the health and flavor of your edamame crop. They are known to repel pests such as carrot flies and cabbage moths, which can damage soybean plants. Additionally, radishes' deep taproots can help break up hard soil and improve drainage, which is essential for healthy soybean growth. Plant radishes in between rows of edamame or use them as a cover crop in between growing seasons.

How to Grow Radishes

Radishes can be grown from seed sown directly in the ground after the last frost date. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Radishes mature quickly and can be harvested as soon as they reach their full size.

Section 5: Chives

Chives are a versatile and flavorful herb that can add both taste and health benefits to your edamame garden. They are known to repel pests such as aphids, thrips, and Japanese beetles, which can damage soybean plants. Additionally, chives are rich in nutrients like vitamin C and iron, which can enhance the nutritional value of your edamame crop. Plant chives around the border of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for best results.

How to Grow Chives

Chives are a perennial herb that can be grown from seed or purchased as young plants. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Chives can be harvested as soon as they reach a few inches tall and will continue to produce new growth throughout the growing season.

Section 6: Peppermint

Peppermint is a fragrant herb that can help repel pests and improve the flavor of your edamame crop. It is known to repel aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage moths, which can damage soybean plants. Additionally, peppermint's aromatic oils can enhance the taste of edamame by providing a refreshing and minty flavor. Plant peppermint around the border of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for best results.

How to Grow Peppermint

Peppermint is a perennial herb that can be grown from seed or purchased as young plants. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Peppermint can be harvested as soon as it reaches a few inches tall and will continue to produce new growth throughout the growing season.

Section 7: Garlic

Garlic is a pungent plant that can help repel pests and improve the health of your edamame crop. It is known to repel aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles, which can damage soybean plants. Additionally, garlic contains sulfur compounds that have been shown to boost the immune system and provide other health benefits for humans. Plant garlic around the border of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for maximum benefit.

How to Grow Garlic

Garlic can be grown from cloves planted directly in the ground in the fall or early spring. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause the cloves to rot. Garlic can be harvested when the tops begin to yellow and dry out.

Section 8: Borage

Borage is a beautiful and beneficial plant that can help attract pollinators and repel pests in your edamame garden. It is known to repel tomato hornworms, cabbage worms, and other insect pests that can damage soybean plants. Additionally, borage's bright blue flowers can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden, which can increase the yield of your edamame crop. Plant borage around the edge of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for best results.

How to Grow Borage

Borage can be grown from seed sown directly in the ground after the last frost date. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Borage can grow up to three feet tall and will continue to produce new blooms throughout the growing season.

Section 9: Dill

Dill is an aromatic herb that can help repel pests and improve the flavor of your edamame crop. It is known to repel aphids, spider mites, and cabbage loopers, which can damage soybean plants. Additionally, dill's feathery leaves and delicate flowers can provide a subtle, tangy flavor to edamame dishes. Plant dill around the border of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for maximum benefit.

How to Grow Dill

Dill can be grown from seed sown directly in the ground after the last frost date. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Dill can be harvested when the plants reach a few inches tall and will continue to produce new growth throughout the growing season.

Section 10: Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a striking and beneficial plant that can help attract pollinators and provide shade for your edamame crop. They are known to repel pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and leafhoppers, which can damage soybean plants. Additionally, sunflowers' large, vibrant blooms can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden, which can increase the yield of your edamame crop. Plant sunflowers around the border of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for maximum benefit.

How to Grow Sunflowers

Sunflowers can be grown from seed sown directly in the ground after the last frost date. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause the plants to rot. Sunflowers can grow up to six feet tall and will continue to produce new blooms throughout the growing season.

Section 11: Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are a stunning and beneficial plant that can help repel pests and improve the health of your edamame crop. They are known to repel spider mites, Japanese beetles, and other insect pests that can damage soybean plants. Additionally, chrysanthemums contain chemicals called pyrethrins that have been shown to be effective against a wide range of pests. Plant chrysanthemums around the edge of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for best results.

How to Grow Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums can be grown from seed or purchased as young plants. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Chrysanthemums can grow up to three feet tall and will continue to produce new blooms throughout the growing season.

Section 12: Cilantro

Cilantro is a flavorful herb that can help repel pests and improve the taste of your edamame crop. It is known to repel aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can damage soybean plants. Additionally, cilantro's citrusy flavor can provide a refreshing contrast to the nutty taste of edamame. Plant cilantro around the border of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for maximum benefit.

How to Grow Cilantro

Cilantro can be grown from seed sown directly in the ground after the last frost date. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Cilantro can be harvested when the plants reach a few inches tall and will continue to produce new growth throughout the growing season.

Section 13: Calendula

Calendula is a beautiful and beneficial plant that can help repel pests and attract pollinators in your edamame garden. It is known to repel aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage moths, which can damage soybean plants. Additionally, calendula's bright orange or yellow flowers can attract bees and other pollinators to your garden, which can increase the yield of your edamame crop. Plant calendula around the edge of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for best results.

How to Grow Calendula

Calendula can be grown from seed sown directly in the ground after the last frost date. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Calendula can grow up to two feet tall and will continue to produce new blooms throughout the growing season.

Section 14: Sage

Sage is a flavorful herb that can help repel pests and improve the health of your edamame crop. It is known to repel cabbage moths, carrot flies, and other insect pests that can damage soybean plants. Additionally, sage contains antioxidants and other nutrients that can provide a range of health benefits for humans. Plant sage around the border of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for maximum benefit.

How to Grow Sage

Sage is a perennial herb that can be grown from seed or purchased as young plants. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Sage can be harvested when the plants reach a few inches tall and will continue to produce new growth throughout the growing season.

Section 15: Thyme

Thyme is an aromatic herb that can help repel pests and improve the flavor of your edamame crop. It is known to repel cabbage loopers, whiteflies, and other insect pests that can damage soybean plants. Additionally, thyme's fragrant leaves can provide a savory and earthy flavor to edamame dishes. Plant thyme around the border of your edamame bed or interspersed throughout the rows for maximum benefit.

How to Grow Thyme

Thyme is a perennial herb that can be grown from seed or purchased as young plants. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot. Thyme can be harvested when the plants reach a few inches tall and will continue to produce new growth throughout the growing season.

Companion planting with edamame can provide a range of benefits, from repelling pests to improving flavor to attracting pollinators. By incorporating some of these companion plants into your garden, you can help create a healthy and vibrant growing environment for your soybean crop.

FAQs

1. Can I grow edamame in containers?

Yes, edamame can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough and have adequate drainage.

2. How do I know when my edamame is ready to harvest?

Edamame is ready to harvest when the pods are plump and the beans inside are fully formed. The pods should also be bright green and slightly firm to the touch.

3. Can I eat the leaves of my edamame plant?

Yes, the leaves of the edamame plant are edible and can be used in salads and other dishes.

4. What is the best way to store fresh edamame?

Fresh edamame can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, blanch the pods in boiling water for two minutes, then transfer to an ice bath for another two minutes before draining and freezing in an airtight container.

5. How long does it take for edamame to mature?

Edamame typically takes between 70 and 90 days to reach maturity, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

#

Image companion plants for edamame

Pin on Edamame

Edamame plants tend to grow to about two or three feet highlarger than

A Guide to Growing and Harvesting Edamame MOTHER EARTH NEWS Mother

Buy Edamame Bean Summer Shell Soya Seeds online Marshalls Edamame

Pin on Chickpea Edamame

Mid Giant Edamame Plant Pureed food recipes Edamame Food

Growing Soybean How to grow Soybean Edamame Edamame Soybeans

51 Vegetables Garden ideas growing vegetables veggie garden

How to Grow Edamame Edamame Home grown vegetables Edible garden

17 Best images about Chickpea Edamame on Pinterest Pistachios A