Last year I used a teepee for my pole beans and it worked well, but I decided to modify it to maximize my harvest this year. I added several bars to the teepee so I could plant beans completely around it. I left one side open so my grandchildren can have a seat inside while Mawmaw is gardening. I have an adorable miniature chair that I will be placing inside the teepee for them to sit.
It was quite simple and inexpensive to make. I used the bamboo poles from last season and cuttings from my bamboo squash trellis from last year as well. I found some string that I had laying around to tie the pieces to the teepee. Lowes and Home Depot sell bamboo poles that won't break the bank if you can't found a resource locally and the Dollar Store sells the string. My brother has a yard full of bamboo, so I luck out on bamboo.
The poles should be 6 - 8 feet tall and you will need 4 pieces. I used (4) 7 foot poles and 5 bars across. Be sure to secure the poles at the top tightly and get them deep into the ground before you tie on the horizontal poles.
Here's the steps again:
1. Tie your 4 poles at the top securely.
2. Spread your poles apart so they look like A-frames.
3. Place in the ground deep enough to secure them.
4. Tie the smaller pieces (20) across the bars to form 3 sides. Leave an opening to place a chair for the kids to sit or this can be nice space for growing lettuce through the summer, which requires shade. The leaves of the beans will provide the shade.
5. Plant your choice of pole beans completely around the bottom of the teepee and watch them climb.
I use Blue Lake pole beans. I find them much more flavorful and less stringy. I will also plant a few rows of Jade bush beans, which were recommended by a fellow gardener. Can't wait to try them. Green beans can be used as companion to tomatoes and cucumbers. Do you plant pole beans or are you a bush bean gardener. What's your favorite green bean?
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