Growing Climbing Beans/Peas

[blackcatlois]

Going back to Geordie's idea - the upside down wigwam - a wonderful idea, I take it the bean & pea netting will make it strong enough in the wind - I'm just wondering how stable it would be?

[Geordie]

or you can use string or wire (metal coathangers if you like) to brace opposite canes together at the top. This will stabilise the wigwam, assuming you pushed the canes deep enough into the soil.

[Curlykale]

Zazen, how tall are the north and south sides of your frame? I fancy trying this idea.

Geordie, sorry to be dense but what would stop an upside down wigwam from just toppling over when covered in heavy foliage? How deep would you push the canes into the ground?

I recently bought a garden arch from Wilkos with the intention of putting it in two beds to straddle the path so I could grow something over it - would that be suitable for peas& beans? Would I need to cover it with netting or strings for them to cling on to? I have read that cucumbers/squashes etc can be grown up supports - presumably they would need something stronger to grow up than peas and beans need?

There are some fab ideas on this thread!

[Geordie]

Push the canes in about a foot, but the trick is to tie the tops of opposite canes together with some string or similar so each acts as the others anchor to stop them being pulled over.

[zazen999]

Zazen, how tall are the north and south sides of your frame? I fancy trying this idea.


There are some fab ideas on this thread!

Hi

Only just seen this, as I was away last week.

The tall sides [south] are about 5-6 ft and the shorter sides [north] are about 3-4 ft. Overall, you get at least 6 ft of growth as the beans grow 3-4 ft plus the width which is also 3-4 ft.

[Curlykale]

Thanks Zazen and Geordie - I am going to try both of your versions.

[zazen999]

Thanks Zazen and Geordie - I am going to try both of your versions.

In a week or so, I'll post piccies of the permanent version of this bed; once I get a chance to build the up and over bit again....