Beans

PLANT BEANS when the soil temperature reaches 50° F -- never before. To get a good early start, soak bean seeds in tepid water for several hours until they swell; rinse gently and place in a single layer on several moist paper towels. Cover directly with another moist paper towel (so it is in contact with the seeds). Enclose the covered seeds in a plastic bag and keep them at 70° to 80° F. Examine the seeds daily. When the first sprouts appear, plant them directly in the garden, spaced two inches apart.

Use a light hand when applying high-nitrogen fertilizer. Otherwise, you will get lush plants and few beans.

For a harvest that lasts all summer, sow beans every two weeks. If you're going to be away, skip a planting. Beans do not wait for anyone.

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.