How to Build a Bean Trellis

You can use a lot of things to build a trellis. Trellises can be chain-link fences, long sticks, suspended twine, or even an old chair. Vining crops, like pole beans and malabar spinach need trellises to keep them off the ground, take up less space, aid in harvesting and to keep them healthy. This is a picture tutorial on an easy way to build a bean trellis using 5 long sticks.

First, you need to know how to tie a box knot.

Next, you’ll need some string or twine, 5 long sticks, twigs, bamboo poles or wood stakes, and a scissors. It’s also helpful to have a rubber mallet or hammer for driving in the stakes.

Line all the stakes up evenly. If they aren’t even, line up the sides that will stick in the ground. Lay the stakes flat lines up next to each other. Tie the beginning of the string using a box knot about 4 inches from the top of one stake. Wrap the string loosely around all of the stakes. Give yourself plenty of room. Wrap the string around your first loops in between the first and second stakes. Wrap it 3 or 4 times. Continue to the next stake until you get all the way through. there will be 4 sets of loops.

Stand up the stakes and spread the base out evenly. Wrap the string around the top of the stakes 4 or 5 times. Loop the string around one stake and tie a box knot. Pound or bury the base of the stakes securely in the ground. Cut the string. Plant around the base of each stake.