Pole Bean Support Ideas

[greenthumbomaha]

Gurneys sells a bean pole that looks like a patio umbrella with strings hanging down. I haven't used this "must have" gem that I am ashamed to say I purchased (win some, lose some - their tomato cages awesome for the price). It isn't nearly as sturdy as what is pictured above, just making the point that the dangling string reportedly works for beans.

- Lisa

Originally Posted by rhines81

Hi Tormato,

The root of the bean plant is the bottom anchor. Once the bean plant grabs the string and climbs, everything tightens up. The string is tied on the top support by a knot so it really works great, basically it's fencing made from string that is as good as any wire trellis. Never had one break or any other issue with wind.
The strings themselves will blow in the breeze until the bean plant grabs it to anchor them which usually happens overnight (I don't hang the strings until the plants are a few inches tall).

I actually cleaned out my beds this past weekend and the strings are still there (supported by dead vine now removed) - a bit tangled at the bottom - I may evaluate and even reuse some of the string this year, but then again string is pretty cheap. We've had some 70+ mph gusts through here this Winter and 15-20 sustained winds is nothing but normal for this area. No issues.