Lima beans require warmersoil (70 degrees F) than snap beans to germinate, so wait until soil warms (usually in early to mid-April) before planting. Bush varieties to plant are Henderson's Bush, Thorogreen, Burpee, Cangreen, Baby Fordhook or Jackson Wonder (speckled bean).

Make plantings every two weeks through mid-May to extend the harvest. One-half pound will plant a 100-foot row. Plant at the rate of three to four seed per foot of row.

Pole lima beans that are recommended are: Burpee's Best, Carolina Sieva, Christmas, Florida Speckled, and Willow Leaf. Plant seed 6 to 12 inches apart. One-quarter pound of seed will plant a 100-foot row.