Beans originated in Central America. They were grown in the western hemisphere before Columbus started his explorations. When the Americas were discovered, climbing beans were found planted with corn.

Plant beans when all danger from frost and cold temperature is over in the spring.

Be sure to check the frost free date in your area.

Plant seeds about one inch deep. Bush beans seeds should be planted 2 to 4 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart. Pole beans should be planted 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 30-36 inches apart.

There are two major kinds of beans–bush and pole. Bush beans grow like a small bush and pole beans will climb up some kind of support like a fence or a trellis. Be careful when weeding around beans because their roots are in the top few inches of soil.

Pick the beans when their pods are 4-6 inches long, firm, crisp and before you can see inside the pod. Do not pick the bean plants when they are wet because you might spread diseases.