I think you'll be happy with the Blue Lake beans - I've grown them three years now and they have a very good classic green bean flavor. I planted the Bush Blue Lake variety, so I won't be planting any this year as I'm only growing pole beans, but they were great. Second only to Fortex pole beans among the varieties I've tried.

~emmers

Your zone shows that you probably live in a very warm climate. For that reason, I would suggest Rattlesnake pole beans as a very productive and decent flavored variety.

DarJones

Thank you Emmers and Darjones, for your replies, blue lake I found locally and will go and get them in the morning along with other supplies for the garden. The rattlesnake pole will be harder to get around here. I live 7 miles from the Mexican Border and beans are Mexicos main dish, so I find it funny that I can't find beans at the stores. I am planning on planting black beans since they are in my pantry and are my favorite. As I said I have never planted beans before so I am a little inexperienced in this area. My question is this, blue lake I believe is a bush bean, Correct? How much room do I need per plant and does it get tall or wide? The pole beans, are they climbing beans and do I need a trellis for them? I am hoping to find some yard long beans. I have to say, I am really excited about planting beans. Oh one more question, can I plant them in large pots or is it best in the ground? Thanks, Josie

When I moved south to NC, not quite as hot as you are and considerably more humid, I discovered a really amazing, intensely flavorful green bean -- State Half-Runner.

This is a short-vined bean that grows nicely on a 2-foot fence and, in my climate, yields abundantly while ignoring garden pests.

Spacing for beans depends on the type -- bush, pole, or half-runner -- and the variety -- Contender being compact and suited for planting in dense blocks while Dragon Langerie (aka Dragon Tongue), is a bigger plant that needs a little more elbow room.

Yardlong beans are a different type completely, being a tender-podded cowpea (and great for hot weather).

Your county ag extension is a great place for getting information about local growing conditions and varieties suitable for your climate.