What to grow on a 'tepee' support

[Quite Contrary]

Hi there

I'm new to the forums and only started to grow my own last year (well gardening at all actually!)

This year I would like to grow some of my plants on a tepee type support which doubles up as a kind of 'cubby hole' for the children, like this



I was wondering what you would reccomend growing on it? I have just started off some peas in pots. I have some seeds for mange tout but as far as I know they don't climb that far. Obviously I could start off some runner beans. Any other suggestions? Is there anything I shouldn't mix?

Thanks in advance, I'm very new to this.

[donnakebab]

Sweat Pea flowers, Nasturtiums (they're edible) anything that needs support I would think. Perhaps an outdoor cucumber, tomato and some squash varieties can be supported upwards.

If it was strong enough perhaps you could fit a pot on the top and plant something that trails down. Nothing too big mind. We don't want it landing on their heads!

PS. I wouldn't mind a cubby hole like that for myself!

[Snadger]

As far as I know sweet peas pods are poisonous and kids might think they are edible? I wouldn't even mix them with normal peas just in case.

Climbing French beans would be my choice (cos thats what I'm growing) Flowers aren't up to much but you can get purple,yellow and green pods.

[veggiechicken]

What a lovely idea! I may have to borrow it and make a den for myself! You could grow different coloured runner beans with red, white and pink flowers or some climbing French beans with yellow or purple pods.
And welcome to the Vine as well!

[Likac66]

Yes - I would grow a mix of beans and peas. My only concern would be that once in flower there will be a lot of bees around. I know I grew beans all up my fence last year and the kids wouldn't go anywhere near because of all the bees and other buzzy creatures around them.

[donnakebab]

As far as I know sweet peas pods are poisonous and kids might think they are edible? I wouldn't even mix them with normal peas just in case.

I didn't know they were poisonous but I don't let mine go to seed because I cut the flowers for the scent, in my house. But better safe than sorry.

[alex-adam]

I didn't know they were poisonous but I don't let mine go to seed because I cut the flowers for the scent, in my house. But better safe than sorry.

The pea (legumes) family are very odd - as Snagger says, sweet peas are poisinous as are laburnum seed (in fact all of the tree), most "french" type beans should not be eaten raw, especially red beans as they contain poison which is eliminated by boiling. Runners can be eaten raw as can broad beans (not actually legumes) - so do please take care.

a-a

[Bren In Pots]

Tall peas such as Alderman would be good then the children could nibble on them straight off the plant.

[Aberdeenplotter]

kids and vegetables don't mix. I know, I know bah humbug

[chris]

I am going to do similar in my garden Saw it from my wife's pintrest thingy.

You can grow a courgette up it too, if you like? There's a hybrid called Black Forest I believe, that can climb.

[Aberdeenplotter]

Courgettes can be incredibly prickly. That's one of the reasons I said kids and vegetables don't mix.

[Quite Contrary]

Thank you so much everyone! So much helpful advice.

I hadn't considered the bees at all, and will have to make sure what I'm planting won't make the children poorly if they nibble on them!

Thanks again!

[Two_Sheds]

Runners can be eaten raw as can broad beans (not actually legumes)

BBs are so legumes They and runners contain small amounts of the toxin phytohaemagglutinin too, just not as much as Frenchies (kidney beans being the seed of the French bean)

[Two_Sheds]

Runners can be eaten raw as can broad beans (not actually legumes)

BBs are so legumes They and runners contain small amounts of the toxin phytohaemagglutinin too, just not as much as Frenchies (kidney beans being the seed of the French bean)


I never learn: I ate a slack handful of undercooked kidney beans 2 nights ago, and have had dodgy tum since