How to Make a String Trellis for Pole Peas

Plant pole bean seeds in a straight line in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. After initial sprouting, thin seedlings to 24 inches apart.

Dig a 2-foot hole every 12 feet along the plant row using a post hole digger. Space each hole a few inches behind the seedling to avoid damaging its roots. Tamp the base of each hole to level the soil.

Stand an 8-foot wood post upright into each hole and firm the soil around its base. If required, mist the soil lightly and pat it around the end of the post to anchor it securely in the soil.

Extend a length of heavy-gauge wire across the tops of the poles. Loop one end of the wire tightly around itself at the top of the post until secure. Stretch the wire to the adjacent pole and wrap it around itself until secure. Ensure the wire runs straight between the two poles. Snip off excess wire length using wire cutters. Alternatively, staple the wire to the wood post using 2-inch staples.

Tie lengths of twine to the heavy-gauge wire at every 24 inches. Extend the lengths of twine down to the ground, so they fall next to the seedlings growing there. Knot the upper end of each twine tight so it does not give in to the weight of the plants when they begin to grow.

Insert a U-shaped ground staple into the soil next to each seedling. Hammer the staple gently so its ends penetrate the soil, but leave 1 inch aboveground.

Insert the lower end of a length of twine through the top of the U-shaped staple. Pull it taut and knot it in place. However, avoid tugging the twine or applying so much pressure on it that the wire it is attached to comes loose.

Push the staple in the soil until it is flush with the surrounding area. Continue the process of securing the lower ends of the remaining lengths of twine to the corresponding ground staples.

Twirl the pole bean seedlings along the lower ends of the string trellis to train them to climb the support structure.