Summer Fun: Green Bean Tepee

Looking for something different to grow in the garden this year? Here's something simple and fun for the kids: Grow a green bean tepee.

Stick garden stakes in a circular pattern an inch or so into the ground and tie them together at the apex, omitting one to leave space for an entrance. Cross-pieces will help strengthen the structure and encourage the vines to fill in between stakes.

Plant green beans at the base of each stake. Last year I made a grievous error of buying a variety of green bean that grew into a low bushy plant rather than climbing as a vine, which resulted in something that looked like a pathetic  fort with bare sticks jutting out the top, although we did have a bounty of green beans.

This year I'm not taking any chances. I found a variety of fancy Asian green beans with pods that grow 24 inches long. The back of the package strongly advise planting these beans near a sturdy trellis at least six feet tall.

Yeah boy, that's what I'm talking about.

We'll fancy it up with flowers around the perimeter and a flourish by the front door. Maybe two rows of carrots marking the path.

I'll keep you updated on growth of the green bean tepee. If you make one, please send me pictures so we can compare notes.