How to grow edamame in a raised bed

Edamame are young green soybeans, steamed in the pod and podded straight into your mouth — a fun, protein-packed summer crop that's easy in a warm raised bed and fixes nitrogen while it grows.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun, 6+ hours
• Spacing: 10–15 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 10–14 weeks

When should I plant edamame?

Edamame (soybean) is frost-tender — sow directly from late spring through summer, once the soil is warm. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): October to January
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): October to December
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): November to December
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): September to December
• Arid inland: October to November

How do I grow edamame in a raised bed?

Sow seed straight into warm mix in a block for good pollination. As a legume it fixes its own nitrogen, so go easy on feeding. Bush plants need no support.

How often should I water and feed edamame?

Keep the mix evenly moist, especially as the pods fill, for plump beans.

What pests attack edamame?

Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

What diseases affect edamame?

The main ones are rust and mosaic virus. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with edamame?

A soil-improving legume; grows well near corn and cucumbers. See our companion planting guide.

When do I harvest edamame?

Harvest when the pods are plump and green but before they yellow — pick the whole plant at once, as pods mature together. Steam and salt the pods.

More growing guides: beans, snake beans and peanuts.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Harry Rose from South West Rocks, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.