A bean teepee is a simple and effective way to provide support for pole beans or climbing peas in your garden. It is essentially a structure made of poles or bamboo that creates a teepee shape, allowing the beans to climb and grow vertically. This not only saves space in your garden but also makes it easier to harvest the beans.
To make a bean teepee, you will need several long poles or bamboo stakes, twine or garden wire, and some bean seeds. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a bean teepee:
1. Choose a suitable location in your garden for the teepee. Make sure it receives at least six hours of sunlight per day and has well-draining soil.
2. Gather your poles or bamboo stakes. You’ll need at least four, but more can be used for added stability. The poles should be around 6-8 feet tall and about 1-2 inches in diameter. If using bamboo, make sure it is sturdy and can support the weight of the beans.
3. Dig holes in the ground to insert the poles. Space them about 2-3 feet apart in a circular or square shape, leaving an opening for an entrance. The holes should be deep enough to secure the poles firmly in the ground, at least 1-2 feet.
4. Insert the poles into the holes and push them firmly into the ground. Make sure they are evenly spaced and straight.
5. Gather the tops of the poles together and tie them securely with twine or garden wire. This will create the teepee shape. Leave enough space at the top for the beans to grow and spread out.
6. Once the teepee structure is secure, it’s time to plant the bean seeds. Dig small holes around the base of each pole, about 1-2 inches deep. Space the holes evenly and follow the recommended spacing for your particular bean variety.
7. Place 2-3 bean seeds in each hole and cover them with soil. Water the area thoroughly to help the seeds germinate.
8. As the bean plants start to grow, gently guide the vines towards the poles. You can use twine or soft garden ties to secure the vines to the poles if needed. Avoid pulling or tugging on the plants, as this may damage them.
9. Regularly check the teepee structure for stability and make any necessary adjustments. As the bean plants continue to grow, they will naturally climb and intertwine around the poles, creating a beautiful and functional teepee shape.
A bean teepee not only provides support for climbing beans but also adds visual interest to your garden. It can be a fun project to involve kids in, as they can help with planting the seeds and watching the plants grow. Plus, harvesting beans from a teepee is much easier compared to searching for them in sprawling vines.
Other methods of creating supports for climbing beans include trellises, cages, A-frame structures, and horizontal supports. Each method has its advantages and may be more suitable for different garden layouts or personal preferences. Experimenting with different support systems can help you determine the best method for maximizing your bean harvests.
