Wednesday, March 23

What could you possibly build out of the plain old pole bean? A fun "plant teepee" for kids to enjoy in the backyard! Or, if your kids are up and out of the house, you can use the same design as a pretty conversation piece. Choose your favorite bean. Scarlet runner beans are a nice option as are Kentucky beans. For something unusual try a purple pole bean. While still on the vine, the beans are a playful purple but when cooked return to the regular green you're used to. The only mistake you can make when choosing is to buy a "bush" plant by mistake. Those do not vine like a pole bean. 
 
That was the hard part. The rest is easy: Simply plant your beans in a circle around a pole or tall stick. Tie a string to the top of the pole and stake it near each plant. As the vines begin growing, encourage them to grow up the string. Once they take hold, stand back and watch them race for the top. They make a nice shade canopy for children to play under or for adults to enjoy as they relax after work. For a perennial version, try our honeysucklein the online plant nursery.