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PLANTING:Pole beans will grow in a climbing vine and require a trellis or staking. Bush beans will spread up to 2 feet but do not require support. Watch this video to learn how to support beans properly.Do not start seeds indoors; they may not survive transplanting.Seeds can be sown outdoors anytime after last spring frost, minimum soil temp is 48 degrees F. Plant 1 inch deep, a little deeper for sandier soils. Cover soil to warm if necessary.Bush beans: Plant 2 inches apart.Pole beans: Set up trellises, or “cattle panels,” and plant 3 inches apart.If you like pole beans, an easy support for them is a “cattle panel”—a portable section of wire fence—16 feet long and 5 feet tall. The beans will climb with ease, and you won’t have to get into contorted positions to pick them.For a harvest that lasts all summer, sow beans every 2 weeks. If you’re going to be away, skip a planting. Beans do not wait for anyone.Rotate crops each year.HARVEST/STORAGE:Beans are picked at an immature stage, when the seeds inside have not yet fully developed.Look for firm, sizable pods and snap or cut off the plant. Do not tear the plant.Store beans in a moisture-proof, airtight container in the refrigerator. Beans will toughen over time even when stored properly.Beans can be kept fresh for about 4 days, or blanched and frozen immediately after harvesting.Beans can also be canned or pickled.