Frame and net
Climbing beans work well in limited space. Creating a climbing net for beans on a simple frame enables half a dozen plants to fill a small space. It is also faster to make a net than it is to go to a garden store and buy one.
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- First lateral string
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- Spaced lateral strings
To make this standing net requires two sides and a top. This simple aluminium tube frame is ideal for making a net. Lateral strings are tied across the frame at roughly 9 inch (22cm) spacing. This spacing allows a hand to pass through the net.
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- First vertical string
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- Completed net
The vertical strings are tied to the top bar and tied to each lateral string as they fall down. It requires a simple knot onto the lateral strings. The vertical strings support the weight of the lateral strings. If this procedure was reversed all the lateral strings would fall to the ground.
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- Removing container
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- Careful handling
This framed net has 5 vertical strings so 5 bean plants are planted one under each string. The beans particularly like rough garden string (not fine nylon string). The aluminium poles are left un-planted, possibly available for cucumber plants later.
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- Back-filling soil
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- Threading beans
Once planted, the bean plant is trained around the vertical string, preferably to a height above the first lateral string to get it started. The plant is watered in and should show signs of growth within 2 days. Once the plant starts to grow it can climb several inches per day.
Training bean plant
Some gardeners make quite an art form out of training beans. By using a bean net the plants can be trained to grow laterally as well as vertically, keeping their height down but allowing maximum growth. Training beans to fully use a growing net can become quite addictive.
