French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) come in two forms: dwarf (bush) beans that stay around 40 cm tall and need no support, and climbing beans that grow to two metres or more on poles, netting or a wigwam. Both are frost-tender, so sow directly outdoors in mid to late May once the soil has warmed to at least 10 °C, pushing seeds 3–4 cm deep; in cold, wet soil they rot rather than germinate. Choose a sunny spot with light, humus-rich soil. Like other legumes, beans fix nitrogen through root nodules and need little extra fertiliser. Water steadily once flowering begins, and earth up dwarf plants lightly for stability. Pick pods young, before the seeds bulge, every two or three days – regular picking keeps new flowers coming. Avoid growing beans next to onions or garlic. For a longer harvest, make a second sowing of dwarf beans in late June.