Beans grow best in well-drained garden soils with pH above 6.0, in full sun. Plant when soil temp is above 65˚F. Plant seeds ½-inch deep and 3-inches apart. Pole-type beans need support 6-feet high. Harvest once beans have dried on plants. Dry indoors for 3 weeks, then shell and store.
To save the seeds:
Let bean pods (actually the dehiscent fruits of the legume) fully mature and dry on the vine. Dry indoors for 2-3 weeks, then remove seeds. Save seeds from 5-10 plants. If stored when completely dry in airtight, cold, dry conditions seeds can be viable for 3-4 years.
Planting your saved seeds:
Isolation distance needed to separate varieties that can cross pollinate for seed saving is 10-20 feet. Save seeds from 5-10 plants. If stored when completely dry in airtight, cold, dry conditions seeds can be viable for 3-4 years.
Social Roots 