Runner beans grow upwards - up to a maximum height of 3 meters. In order for the tendrils to find enough support, a stable climbing aid is essential. This is placed in the bed before sowing the runner beans in order to protect the sensitive roots from possible damage.
How do you plant trellises for pole beans?
To set up trellises for pole beans, you need long wooden or bamboo poles, sturdy ropes or wire. Place them in circles or rows 50-60cm apart and secure at the top. Sow the beans directly on the trellises.
The selection of trellises
Trellises for pole beans are varied. The typical bean tents, which make perfect use of free space in the vegetable or herb bed, are well known. If there is enough space in the garden, rows of poles can be placed against each other.
Runner beans climb up individual trellises just as well. They are either placed in a row with a distance of 50 - 60 cm or individually wherever the garden offers little space.
You can make trellises yourself without much effort. Long wooden poles or bamboo sticks, strong ropes or wire stretched upwards are suitable as materials.
How to set up a bean tent in the garden bed
- Dig the soil deeply
- Get materials: about 5 - 6 long poles (round logs or bamboo poles)
- Dam the poles in a circle deep into the ground so that they are stable
- Tie the poles together at the top like a tent
- Sow bean seeds directly on the trellises
- the young plants begin to climb up the rods from the start
This is something to consider
Even if runner beans grow up to three meters high, you will hardly be able to harvest them at this height. Trellises up to 2 meters high are therefore completely sufficient.
Alternatively, you can choose pole bean varieties that only grow to a maximum height of two meters. This includes the “Rakker” variety with green pods.
Tips & Tricks
Garden delivery offers ready-made bean tents. A set, e.g. from Pöetschke, consists of tension cords, floor frames and ground spikes.
