Growing beans is a rewarding and easy way to enjoy fresh vegetables in your garden. Beans are part of the legume family, which means they can produce their own nitrogen and don’t need a lot of fertilizer. There are many types of beans, such as pod/snap beans, shell beans, and dry beans, each with different growing and harvesting requirements. Here are some general tips on how to grow beans.

• Choose a sunny spot with well-drained, loamy soil. Beans don’t like wet or heavy soil.

• Plant seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed up, usually after the last frost date. Seeds sown too early can rot or germinate poorly.
• Plant bush beans in rows 2.5 to 3 feet apart, with seeds placed 1 to 2 inches apart. Thin the seedlings to 3 to 4 inches apart after they germinate.

• Plant pole beans near a support, such as a trellis, fence, or bamboo stake. The support should be 6 to 8 feet tall and installed before planting. Space the supports 3 to 4 feet apart and plant seeds around them, 3 to 4 inches apart.
• Water beans regularly, but not too much. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid wetting the leaves or pods, as this can cause fungal diseases.

• Harvest snap beans when the pods are crisp and tender, before the seeds inside bulge. Pick them often to encourage more production. Harvest shell beans when the pods are thin and tough, but not dry. Harvest dry beans when the pods are dry and the beans inside rattle.
• Store fresh beans in the refrigerator for up to a week, or blanch and freeze them for longer storage. Dry beans can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year.