Direct sow outdoors as soon as the threat of frost has passed. Sow seeds 1 inch apart and thin to 6-8 inch spacing. Protect with row cover from bean beetles if necessary. For best results, allow the beans to dry on the plant. Harvest beans when dry prior to the first fall frost. If weather does not permit this, pull the plants up at the last possible moment and hang to dry, then thresh the plants to remove the beans. Store in a cool, dry dark place.