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. If you are no good at knots, there are several plastic rings on the market, like these one at Amazon which are affiliate links:
The pictures below are other examples of a plastic ring holding the canes together.
plastic ring
wigwam 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.