The 'Weekend Bean'

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In spring, once weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart in rows 1½ feet apart.

For Container Planting: Sow seeds in big pots at least 18 to 20 inches in diameter and 18 inches tall filled with fresh, moistened, good-quality potting mix. Make additional sowings in more pots several weeks later until the end of June to provide long continued harvests.

GROWING NOTES

Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. If some seedlings are too crowded, be sure to thin to 3-4 inches apart—plants will be more productive and disease-free if they have enough room to mature.

HARVEST AND USE

Pick these fine-flavored gourmet beans while bean pods are young and slender. The more beans you pick, the more the plants will produce. Steam, sauté or roast them quickly just until tender-crisp and serve simply to fully enjoy their tempting flavor.