Do Pinto Beans Need a Trellis?

Pole Versus Bush

• Beans are generally characterized as either a bush or pole type. Bush beans grow on compact self-supporting plants, whereas pole beans are vining plants that benefit from some sort of support structure. Vining beans can be further characterized as true vining types versus those that grow upright. Pinto bean varieties fall into both these vining pole bean categories; for example, “Apache” and “Maverick” are two true vining pinto bean varieties, and “Buster” and “Remington” are two upright pole types of pinto beans. Trellises are recommended for growing pinto beans, not only for the support they provide, but also because training vines on trellises or other supports conserves garden space.

Planting

• A pinto bean's growth habit and the type of trellis or support structure used needs to be considered before planting seeds. When planning your garden space, allow 3 or 4 feet between single rows of pinto beans and 1 foot between double rows. This space is needed to accommodate a trellis or support structure. In addition, leave 10 inches between each pinto bean plant. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 2 inches. If using a tepee-type trellis, plant seeds around the base of the support structure 6 to 8 inches from the poles. Trellises can be erected at planting or when seedlings' first leaves open.

Trellis How-To

• You can purchase ready-made trellises or construct a simple design. For vining pinto beans, use poles or stakes that are 6 to 8 feet tall for the vertical supports. Stakes can be made of metal, wood or bamboo, and should be placed 5 to 6 feet apart along the planting row. To ensure the trellis remains stable throughout the growing season, pound stakes into the ground at a depth of 1 foot, leaving 5 feet of a 6-foot stake available for trellising. Once secured, use sturdy wire, twine, lightweight netting, untreated sisal or cotton to create additional horizontal and vertical supports for the pinto bean vines to climb.

Other Supports

• Other support structures besides trellises can be used when growing pinto beans. For example, an appropriately situated garden fence can substitute for a trellis. Vining bean plants do not weave in and out of horizontal supports on their own, however; therefore, additional vertical supports using twine may be needed. Teepee tripods are another alternative to trellises and can be easily fashioned using three poles lashed together with strong twine. A third option is to interplant pinto beans with corn, using the stalks as support. Plant corn first so that it grows to a size able to support the vining bean.