If you seriously think about growing pole beans at home, you need to carefully consider the smart ways about how to support pole beans for maximum yield. Guessing from the name, pole beans do need a supporting structure to grow tall and big. There are some support ideas to try. Plus, you also need to understand why such a bean needs solid support for better growth.
Why Do Support Pole Required?
Before you learn about how to support pole beans for maximum yield, you need to understand why such a support is crucial. Pole beans are different from bush beans. The latter is smaller and more compact, while the first one is bigger and taller. As long as you can provide healthy soil and full sun exposure, you can expect this bean to grow. The stems would twine and twist naturally around the support structure. That’s why you need to provide the support.
There are also other reasons why you need to provide the support pole:
Vertical growing will reduce fungal disease incidence (like bean rust and powdery mildew) because the action can improve air circulation, especially around your plants.
Vertical growing will also prevent any possible damage from ground-dwelling pests. When you have to remove the pests, it would also be easy when you don’t have to crouch or kneel.
The structure will also support easy harvesting. You won’t have to bend, kneel, or crouch. Not to mention that you will be able to see whether the beans are mature and big enough before picking.
Vertical arrangement enables maximum growing space. You can easily grow other plants, herbs, and veggies, like root crops, basil, or cabbage. This arrangement allows layered interplanting, which provides shade for the soil. It will stabilize the temperature as well as retain the moisture. Let’s not forget that you won’t have to compete against the weeds either.
Some DIY Support Ideas
It’s a good thing that there are some pole bean support ideas that you can do by yourself. As long as you are creative and you are committed, you should have no problem managing the way.
Cattle panel trellis. These kinds of trellises aren’t not visually appealing (because of the arches), but you can also build them on your own. It’s not only great for beans, but also peas, squash, cucumbers, and other vining veggies.
A-frame structure. The A-frame structure isn’t only great for growing tomatoes, but also beans. You need a metal or wooden frame (with A shape). Use box wire fencing, garden netting, and chicken (wire) fencing to cover it.
Bamboo poles. Bamboo is quite versatile and you can construct it in various different ways. You can make it into a tepee cone-shaped structure or build a ladder-like and tall (climbing) structure. You can create an A-frame elongated structure or have a simple leaning wall design.
Twine. If you want to be creative in your way about how to support pole beans for maximum yield, you can use it as the climbing structure for the beans. It’s possible but you need to consider the extra effort. If you go with synthetic type, it’s not the eco-friendly pick. But if you choose the biodegradable one, you only have around a year to use it. So, any option you choose, you face limitations.
Upcycled structure. You can basically use anything for support, such as old closet organizers, unused (bare) mattress spring, and others. Just be sure that these objects aren’t covered in any lead paint.
Wooden support. If you have the material and you have some skills, try building wooden obelisks or towers. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a cone, pyramidal, or rectangular shaped, wooden structure isn’t only functional, but also timeless and elegant.
Things to Consider
The right planting time is also crucial if you want to ensure successful yield. As the plant loves heat, you can expose it to warm air temperature and warm soil. Don’t hurry up the process, forcing the seeds to the ground. You need to wait until the frost has passed. It means that the temperature of the soil should be minimum 15 degrees Celsius (or around 60 degrees Fahrenheit). Most gardeners would do the plant within late spring, so they can harvest it in the middle of summer time.
Make sure that you have given some serious thoughts about being prepared for growth. With some DIY ideas and as you know how to support pole beans for maximum yield, you can expect positive yields.