Planting Instructions:
Beans prefer well-drained, rich soil in a sunny location. Make sure you keep them well watered in the summer heat.
Beans are a tender vegetable and you should not plant them until all danger of frost has passed and the soil remains above 65ยบF. Sow seeds 1-1ยฝ inches deep, every two to three inches. Bush-type beans do not require support.
For seed saving, allow pods to remain on the plant until they are brittle and open easily. However, if you live in an area with a short growing season, harvest as close to dry as possible and finish drying indoors. Rain and freezing temps will damage beans.
Informational References:
- "A Catalogue of Garden, Herb, Flower, Tree, Shrub, and Grass Seeds; Gardening, Agricultural, and Botanical Books, Garden Tools, etc. Sold By Bernard McMahon," Bernard McMahon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1806.
- "Catalogue of Green-House Plants, Hardy Trees, Evergreen Shrubs, Flowering Shrubs, Bulbous Rooted, and Herbaceous Plants, Arranged by their Botanical and English Names," David & Cuthbert Landreth, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1826.
- "Field and Garden Vegetables of America," Fearing Burr, 1863, p. 485-487.