Choose a warm, sunny location with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight
Use well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5
Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure
Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost when soil is warm
Plant seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep
Space seeds 12 to 18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist
Thin seedlings if overcrowded
Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Weed the area regularly to reduce competition
Apply a balanced fertilizer if soil is poor
Support tall varieties if needed
Harvest pods when they are young and tender, usually 2 to 4 inches long
Pick pods frequently to encourage continued production
Remove overgrown pods to keep plants productive
Monitor for pests and diseases
Rotate crops each season to reduce soil-borne problems