How to Grow Snap Green Beans

Plant beans after danger of frost has passed. For bush beans, plant one seed 1 inch deep, approximately every 2 to 3 inches. Space rows 2 feet apart. Bush beans mature in about 60 days, so you can make successive plantings every couple months.

Plant pole beans after the last frost. You'll need sturdy support stakes or a trellis. Plant the beans 6 to 10 inches apart along a trellis, or plant several around a stake. Space the stakes 3 feet apart, or angle three together to form a triangle in a corner of your garden.

Weed thoroughly, preferably by hand, especially in the first six weeks after planting. Keep the soil moist, but avoid watering from overhead, as this can promote leaf disease. Mulch, laid about 2 inches thick, will help keep the ground moist and the weeds at bay.

Attract or introduce lady beetles to your garden, as they feed off aphids. Both aphids and beetles can be a real nuisance with beans. Marigolds make great companions for beans because they help keep the harmful beetles away.

Prevent the mildews and blights to which beans are susceptible. Don't brush up against the leaves when they are wet, and water early in the day so the leaves can dry thoroughly before nightfall.

Pick beans as soon as they mature to ensure a larger yield. Bush beans are ready for harvest in about 60 days, so if you make successive plantings, you can harvest all summer long. Pole beans take about two weeks longer, but will continue producing all summer long.