Harvesting green beans –

Pick bush beans when they are pencil size and tender
Pick bush beans before the seeds inside form bumps on the pod
Harvest regularly to encourage production
When the pod begins to bulge with seeds it is too late to pick
When the pod appears to be drying or losing moisture it is too late to pick
If you allow pods to ripen fully, the plants will stop producing and die
Pinch off bush beans using your thumbnail and fingers
Pulling directly on the pods may uproot the plants
Cut off and discard any overly mature beans you missed in previous harvests
Weekly harvests will be bountiful once the plant matures, then lessen as the weather grows colder

Storing green beans –

Short term storage – Wash and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.
Long term storage – Freeze, can, or pickle the beans the day you harvest them to preserve their fresh, homegrown flavor.

Using green beans –

Sautéed Green Beans: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet, add trimmed and halved bush beans, and sauté until they are crisp-tender. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary for a simple and delicious side dish.
Green Bean Salad: Blanch or steam trimmed bush beans until they are bright green and crisp. Toss them with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette. Add some feta cheese or toasted almonds for extra flavor and texture.
Roasted Green Beans: Spread trimmed bush beans on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your choice of seasonings (such as garlic powder or smoked paprika). Roast in the oven until they become slightly caramelized and tender.
Green Bean Stir-Fry: Heat a wok or large skillet, add trimmed bush beans, and stir-fry them with other colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas. Season with soy sauce or a stir-fry sauce of your choice for a quick and nutritious stir-fry.
Southern Style Green Beans: Break end of beans and snap into two or three sections. Add to pot, then add water or chicken broth, a few pieces of cooked bacon, T of bacon drippings, chopped onions, salt and pepper to taste. Cook until soft, adjust seasonings.