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Beans prefer rich soil in a sunny location and need regular watering. They are fairly fragile and should not sown until all frost danger has passed and the soil remains above 65ºF. Seeds are planted 1½ inches deep, every 2 to 3 inches in rows 24 inches apart. Runner and climbing beans require some structure or trellising, as illustrated in the picture. Usually a system of canes (about 2.4m) is erected. These are usually arranged in parallel rows with the tops of the canes tightly secured on to a horizontal cane. They should be harvested when the pods are a maximum of 20cm (8in) long. First crops can be harvested from July onwards. Cropping of all types can continue until the first frosts, or longer if plants are protected. Pictured near Wyboston Bedfordshire July 2005.