Sow Heirloom / Open Pollinated bean seeds 1-2″ deep, 2-6″ apart, in rows 18-36″ apart, in full sun after danger of frost. Soaking bean seeds in water 1-2 hours before planting speeds germination. Germination occurs in 4-16 days in soil 60-85°F. Provide support for heirloom pole bean varieties. For heirloom snap beans, harvest when beans are 3-6″ long. For dry beans, leave pods on plants until pods are dry, brown, and crisp, and beans are hard and rattle in pod, if more drying is needed when danger of frost has arrived, pick pods or pull entire plant and hang upside down to dry further.