Bean Teepee
Six poles lashed together at the top form a teepee trellis that kids can crawl inside and that produces a wall of climbing beans.
Estimated cost
$15 – $35
Estimated time
30 – 45 minutes
Lifespan
3–5 years for bamboo; 10+ years for metal poles
Soil needed
None — structure over existing bed or ground
Weight empty
5–10 lbs
Weight full
Adds 30–50 lbs of vine load
Best for
Pole beans, peas, morning glories, and small gourds
Placement
Full sun. Leave enough space between teepees to walk and harvest. Anchor well if you are in a windy area.
Boards to Buy
| Boards to Buy | Quantity | What You Use Them For |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo poles, cedar stakes, or EMT conduit, 7–8 ft | 6 | Teepee legs |
| Heavy twine or zip ties | 1 roll | Lash the top and create horizontal rungs |
- ·Optional: garden fabric or shade cloth for a play tent cover
Steps
- 1Arrange six poles in a circle about 4 ft across.
- 2Lean all six tops together and cross them about 12 inches from the ends.
- 3Wrap twine tightly around the crossed tops several times and tie a secure knot.
- 4Spread the bottoms evenly to form a cone.
- 5Push each pole 6–8 inches into the ground for stability.
- 6Wrap twine horizontally around the teepee at 12-inch intervals to give vines extra grip.
- 7Plant 3–4 pole bean seeds at the base of each pole.
- 8Water well and watch the teepee turn green.
Tools needed
- ·Scissors
- ·Rubber mallet or hammer for driving poles
- ·Tape measure
Common mistakes to avoid
- ·Poles too short — beans can outgrow a 5 ft teepee
- ·Not lashing the top tightly — it spreads and collapses
- ·Planting bush beans instead of pole beans
- ·Spacing seeds too close to the poles
Maintenance tips
Guide the first few tendrils onto the poles. Harvest beans regularly to keep vines productive.
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