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How To Build A Wigwam Support For Runner Beans

If you want your runner beans to grow strong and healthy, it is important to give them enough height and space to do so. Tom Cole, head of horticulture and landscaping at Capel Manor College, demonstrates how to build a wigwam structure from bamboo canes to get the most out of your crops and support your runner beans properly. Enlarge

How To Build A Wigwam Support For Runner Beans

If you want your runner beans to grow strong and healthy, it is important to give them enough height and space to do so. Tom Cole, head of horticulture and landscaping at Capel Manor College, demonstrates how to build a wigwam structure from bamboo canes to get the most out of your crops and support your runner beans properly.

Step 1: You will need

  • Some garden twine
  • 8 Foot long bamboo canes

Step 2: Building the structure

It is best to construct your frame before planting your crop, so that you can ensure a sturdy structure that gives the plants the space to grow. Firstly decide how many plants you want to grow. You will need one bamboo cane per plant.

Using the canes to create a circular pattern about one metre in diameter, push each cane at least 20cm into the soil. When you are happy with the shape of the structure, firm each of the canes into the ground. Fix some twine to the tops of the cane, about 30cm from the end. Grab another cane and tie it to this one. Continue until all of the canes are secured. Cut the twine and finish with a knot.

Step 3: Encouraging growth

To encourage the tendrils to wrap around the canes, you need to provide the plant with something on which to grip. Wrap twine around the canes about half way up the structure to provide this.