Plant bush varieties about every two weeks, beginning about March 15th. This will provide a continuous harvest for an extended period. Good bush snaps for Louisiana are Gator Green 15, Strike, Provider and Bush Blue Lake 274. All-America All-America Selections include Derby, Green Crop (flat) and Burpee Stringless Green Pod. Roma II is a flat Italian bush bean. For a purple pod, bush snap, try Royal Burgundy in the early spring. Those who prefer the yellow wax beans should choose Golden Rod Wax, Wax Romanoor Gold Crop (AAS).One-half pound of seed will be more than enough to plant a 100-foot row. Plant seed about 1 to 2 inches apart in the row.

High temperatures at bloom cause many of the flowers to fall off. Generally they don't produce well when planted in late May. For best quality, harvest pods before the developing seeds cause the pod to bulge. Beans can be held for up to seven days at 40 to 45 degrees and 90% to 95% humidity.

Pole snap bean varieties produce larger yields since they produce longer than the bush varieties. Space seed about 6 to 12 inches apart. About 2 to 3 ounces of seed will plant a 100-foot row. For pole snaps, the AAS winner is Kentucky Blue. The KentuckyWonder 191, Blue Lake and McCaslan have done well in Louisiana. For pole beans with striped pods, select Rattlesnake For those who want a bean which sets well in the heat, try the vigorous Yardlong Asparagus Bean, and harvest pods when 18 inches or less.