How to Build a Pole Bean Tepee

Green beans are either bush or pole type, and both include dozens of cultivars. Bush bean plants typically only grow to about 2 feet tall, do not require supports and normally reach harvest one to two weeks ahead of pole beans. Pole beans, on the other hand, often reach from 8 to 10 feet, produce more beans and do need some type of support or trellis. The most common form of support used to grow pole beans is a bean teepee.

6 8-foot bamboo poles
Measuring tape
Twine
Compost
Shovel
Pole bean seeds

Instructions

- 1
  Select a location in full sun with well-draining soil. Measure and mark a 4-foot-diameter circle.
- 2
  Space the bamboo poles evenly around the circle. Push each of the poles at least 6 inches into the ground.
- 3
  Draw together the tops of the poles and tie them securely with the twine. Ask for assistance from someone tall enough to reach the tops of the poles, if you cannot.
- 4
  Pile up compost at the base of each of the poles to create a mound that is 3 inches tall and 6 inches wide.
- 5
  Plant 5 pole bean seeds 1-1/2 to 2 inches deep and evenly spaced in each mound around the poles.
- 6
  Water the beans well and continue to water as needed to maintain moist, but not soaked soil. Seedlings will emerge in a week or two.
- 7
  Thin the seedlings to 2 or 3 per mound when they grow 3 inches tall. Pinch or cut the pole bean seedlings at ground level when thinning.

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