Supporting Peas and Beans: 7 Simple and Effective DIY Trellis Ideas

Growing climbing vegetables like peas and beans is made easier with the use of supports and trellises. Not only do they keep the plants tidy and upright, but trellising improves airflow and light penetration. This in turn enhances the health and productivity of your crops.

When it comes to supporting peas and beans, you have lots of DIY trellis options. And the good news is most are simple to make using materials you likely have on hand.

Below you’ll find 7 easy-to-construct supports that are ideal for getting your peas and beans off the ground.

Why Trellis Peas and Beans?

Before getting into the project instructions let’s look at why it’s important to trellis vining peas and beans

• Prevents plants from flopping over and becoming damaged.

• Promotes airflow which reduces fungal issues like mildew.

• Makes picking easier by keeping pods within easy reach.

• Keeps pods up off damp soil reducing rot issues.

• Allows you to grow more in a small space since plants can be stacked vertically.

• Certain pests like slugs are less problematic since they can’t reach vines.

• Looks neat and tidy in the vegetable garden.

Factors for Selecting Supports

There are a few considerations when choosing which type of trellis to DIY:

• The mature height of the variety you’re growing – dwarf or tall?

• Your space – do you need a narrow or wider trellis?

• Is the site exposed to wind? Sturdy supports are key.

• How much effort do you want to put in? Pick user-friendly materials.

• Can the structure be used again next year? Opt for durable options.

7 DIY Trellis Projects for Peas and Beans

1. Bamboo Wigwam

This teepee-shaped support takes just minutes to construct. Push 5-6 pieces of 6-8 foot bamboo into the ground in a circle with tops together. Lash tops with twine and spread into a teepee shape. Easy for peas to climb!

2. Bean Poles and Box Frame

Arrange 4-6 poles in a square/rectangle around plants. Tie tops together and attach horizontal cross pieces around outside to create a box frame. Or simply push pole ends into ground in a square/rectangle.

3. Branch or Twig Supports

Insert twiggy branches or pruned sapling branches into ground near pea/bean plants. Tuckbranch ends under soil. As plants grow they’ll grab the twigs.

4. Wire Cages

Tomato cages work perfectly for dwarf peas and beans. Use one per plant or join a row together. Or make cages from concrete reinforcing wire and posts.

5. Net Trellis

Run nylon or plastic trellis netting between posts along a pea/bean row. Plants easily cling to the grid pattern. Use sturdy posts and keep net taut.

6. A-Frame Trellis

Drive stakes into ground and connect across top with cross bar to create inverted V shape. Add twine back and forth or wire fencing to create climbing surface.

7. Cattle Panel Arch

Make a tunnel from 16′ cattle panel bent into an arch shape. Drive 1′ stakes along sides to secure ends. Height accommodates tall varieties.

Constructing Your Trellis

• Mark out area and dig holes for posts/poles if needed. Depth depends on materials used.

• Set your posts, bamboo, branches, etc. Check corners are square.

• Use zip ties, wire, or twine to fasten together frame pieces as needed.

• Add cross pieces, netting, or wires horizontally so plants can climb easily.

• Press or hammer posts firmly into ground.

• Water soil around posts to help secure – avoid wobbling posts.

• Add soil amendments and compost before planting at trellis base.

Caring for Peas and Beans Growing on Trellises

Once your DIY trellis is in place, here are some tips for looking after your plants:

• Sow seeds or plant seedlings at base of support. Follow spacing guidelines.

• Water at soil level rather than from overhead to reduce disease.

• Weed regularly to prevent competition for water and nutrients.

• Use row cover to protect young plants from insect pests.

• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Check trellis stability frequently and reinforce as needed.

• Pick pods regularly to encourage more production.

• Provide supplemental fertilizer if plants look undernourished.

• Monitor for signs of pests or diseases and tackle promptly.

Ready to Grow Vertical!

Adding a simple trellis to your vegetable plot takes your peas and beans to new heights! Not only will it keep your garden neat, but you’ll enjoy the ease of care and abundant harvests. Just be sure to match support size and strength to the mature plant size. With a DIY support in place all that’s left is to sow some seeds and watch your plants climb up up and away.