How to Stake Half-White Runner Beans

Beans grow throughout the country in summertime gardens, in both bush and pole varieties. All beans require long growing seasons with warmth, nutritious soil and plenty of water. Pole beans, which grow on long vines, also require support for growing and air circulation. Half-white runner beans are pole beans, and may grow with or without a stake or trellis system. Staking these beans, though, increases air and sun exposure, protects the beans from soil-borne diseases and increases their yield.

Stakes (rough wood, 6 to 7 feet in length, three per plant)
Felt ties/soft cords

Instructions

- 1
  Dig up the soil around the beans to loosen it for your stakes. Push three 7-foot-long stakes into the soil around each bean plant, to a depth of 2 feet for security. Tilt the stakes together at the top to form a triangle. If necessary, use a ribbon or cord to tie the tops together for security. Always use rough wood for stakes, as it makes climbing easier for the plants.
- 2
  Tie the half-white runner bean stems up to the boards when they get tall enough to reach. Tie one vine to each stake using soft felt or cord ties. Tie the cords loosely, to avoid damaging the plants, and always tie main stems rather than leaves or fruiting stems.
- 3
  Continue tying the stems as they grow, until the beans train themselves to grow and climb the stakes on their own.

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