Trellis Ideas For Pole Beans

Tepee

• A tepee trellis requires only a few minutes to construct and takes up little room in the garden. It works best for a small amount of bean plants. Tie a bundle of three to five stakes together at the top. Spread apart the untied ends and push them into the ground, giving the trellis its tepee shape. Plant pole beans around the base of the trellis and train them to climb up the stakes that make up the tepee.

A-Frame

• An A-frame works well for long rows of pole beans. Its sturdy design can hold the weight of many plants, as well as withstanding wind better than a tepee. It consists of two end supports and may have additional supports in the middle, depending on the length of the trellis. A top crossbar connects the supports. Attach string or narrow wooden poles to the crossbar and stretch them to the ground, where they are staked in place. A row of pole beans grows along the base of the trellis so they can climb the string or poles. A-frames work well as double-sided trellises that support plants on both sides.

Netted Trellis

• Bean net provides an inexpensive, quick-to-erect trellis option. Usually made of nylon or natural fibers, the netting provides a surface for the beans to climb. The netting stretches tautly between two wooden or metal stakes. The netting also can stretch between buildings or fence posts. Unlike more permanent wooden trellises, netting comes down easily at the end of summer for storage until the following year.

Fences and Walls

• Existing structures can provide support for pole beans with minimal work. Beans climb by twining, so the standard width of a fence slat is too wide for them to climb around. Wrapping the fence vertically in twine provides the beans with something narrower for them to climb. Alternately, lattice panels attached to fences or walls provide the beans with something they can climb. The lattices should sit one inch away from the wall so air can circulate around the bean vines.