I managed to get the pole beans planted last weekend before the latest rains came. I’m using the same trellising method I’ve used for the past few years. I have metal t-posts I set about ten feet apart, with bamboo poles set in between the metal ones for extra support. Then I run a poly rope down the top of the posts to keep the trellis from sagging. I’m using 59″ Hortonova trellis material, which has a 6″ by 7″ opening. It is secured to the posts and poly rope using coated Twist Tie Garden Wire. These ties are reusable, and I’m on my third season for some of them.
pole bean trellis
I have about a 40 foot run of pole beans, and I can get the trellis up in an hour or less. This setup has served me well the last few years, and has held up to the loads of vines and beans without falling over or sagging. You can read more details about how I put up the trellis here: Trellising the Pole Beans.
bamboo poles are set between the metal ones
This year I have three of my favorite snap beans planted (Fortex, Musica and Gold Marie) plus a new purple podded one called Trionfo Violetto. I’m also trying two Appalachian heirloom beans called Lazy Wife Greasy and Robe Mountain. For dry pole beans I’m growing Cherokee Trail of Tears and Good Mother Stallard.
Cherokee Trail of Tears beans coming up
The soil was plenty warm when I planted the seeds, over 65°F, but then the weather turned cooler. I was concerned some of the seed might rot before it came up, but I noticed this morning some of them are starting to sprout. The forecast calls for the weather to warm up to more seasonal temps, which means highs near 80°F for the Memorial Day weekend. That should help get the seeds up and growing. It’s rained almost every day since they were planted, two inches in all, so at least I didn’t have to do any watering to get them up! Once the beans are up a few inches tall I will weed around them and them mulch with straw.