Edamame Companion Planting
These low growing, bush-type beans are complete proteins that provide calcium, vitamins A and B; and the big news, isoflavins, which have been touted to reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and breast and prostate cancer. Incredibly nutritious they may be, but everyone needs a helping hand once in a while so even these powerhouses might need some edamame plant companions. Companion planting is an age-old method of planting that involves growing two or more symbiotic crops in close proximity to each other. The benefits of companion planting with edamame or any other companion planting may be to share nutrients or add them into the soil, maximize garden space, repel pests or encourage beneficial insects, and overall enhancing the crop quality. Now that you have an idea about what edamame companion planting is all about, the question is what to plant with edamame.
What to Plant with Edamame
When considering edamame companion planting, keep in mind that you need to choose plants that have similar growing requirements and can be beneficial in some way. Companion planting with edamame might become somewhat of a trial and error practice. Edamame is a low-growing bush bean that does well in most soil types provided they are well-draining. Plant in full sun in soil amended with a little organic fertilizer prior to planting. Thereafter, edamame does not need further fertilization. Space plants 9 inches apart. If sowing seeds, space them 6 inches (15 cm.) apart and 2 inches (5 cm.) deep. Sow seeds in the late spring after all danger of frost has passed for your area and the soil temps have warmed. Successive sowing can be made until midsummer for a longer harvesting season. Edamame pairs well with sweet corn and squash as well as marigolds.
