Sandy loam soils which are loose and warm rapidly in spring are preferred, but beans can be grown successfully on heavier clay or organic soils provided the soil is properly prepared and well managed. This may include mixing in some coarse sand to loosen the soil to improve drainage and aeration. Snap beans make best use of fertilizers if the pH is 6.0 to 6.5. Break up large clods of soil and rake the area smooth. Varieties Snap beans are the most popular bean, and many of the varieties are stringless.
Beans have a short growing season and are harvested when the pods are immature.
The snap bean is a member of the legume family and has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in its roots. However, beans do not remain in the ground long enough to be effective in producing nitrogen-fixing nodules. Snap beans are either bush or pole types. Bush types are self-supporting plants that grow one to two feet high, while pole types produce vines that require support such as stakes or a trellis. For single rows with 18 to 30 inches between rows, the seeds are sown one to two inches apart, and seedlings are thinned to two inches apart.