Runner Beans need poles, sticks, trellis or mesh to climb up and provide support.
bamboo-wigwam
Plastic supports last for years and tend to be stronger than bamboo canes.
bean-support
Wigwams are fun – but require a boy scouts’ knotting technique. Suttons sell a plastic ring which hold the canes firmly in place for just over £3.
plastic ring
Thompson & Morgan have a similar wig wam cane grip - about £5 for 2.
wigwan cane grip
Hazel poles make a strong support for runner beans and climbing french beans.
hazel-pole
Hazel is said to be ’sustainable’. This is because it is a cut & come again plant – traditionally coppiced when the poles are a useful length & left to grow again.
The bean plants do not have to be tied to the pole. They find their own way to the pole and then twist themselves around it.
french-bean
- Now is the time to get organised & find the supports that were put away at the end of last season, or source some fresh bean poles, sticks or trellis.
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I have been searching for 9ft hazel bean poles for several weeks without success, having experienced that runner beans do not like bamboo and entail significant work in staying on the bamboo pole. As you say hazel is strong and from a sustainable source and vastly superior to bamboo, metals or plastics.
Information of any local source in the Bucks, Berks, Oxon area or suppliers willing to deliver to this area would be very much appreciated.
thanks in anticipation.
Comment by Richard Farmer — May 3, 2011 @ 3:46 pm
Hi Richard
Have put a call out on twitter for hazel bean sticks – will let you know if there is any response!
Fingers crossed!
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg — May 4, 2011 @ 7:55 am