How to Build a Pole Bean Trellis

A pole bean trellis can come in many forms but my favorite is made of bamboo stakes and netting. It’s strong, easy to put up and take down, and tall enough to have plenty of room for beans.

Tall and thick bamboo stakes are tied together to make a pole bean trellis.

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Last year when I visited France, I was so inspired by all the natural trellises I saw in the potager gardens. The first castle we visited had a trellis with bamboo and it was so tall! I vowed to recreate it at home and that is what we did this weekend.

pole bean trellis in France — The pole bean trellis I saw in France.

This is a simple project that took us about an hour from start to finish. It’s so beautiful and natural looking in the garden, definitely worth it to put up and enjoy for months to come.

Our trellis went on a 40 foot long garden bed, however, the supplies listed below will cover 50 feet. You’ll need to place stakes about 5-6 feet apart.

Supplies

20 Stakes- 1 inch thick Bamboo stakes 8 feet tall
1 – 6.5 x 1000 feet vegetable support trellis netting roll
1 – Pack of zip ties 8 inches
1 – Roll of Paracord

Step by Step Guide to build a Pole Bean Trellis

closeup of lashing two bamboo poles for the bean trellis

Step 1: Start with two bamboo stakes. About a foot from the end, lash them together using 3ft of paracord. Here is a video guide on how to lash sticks together if you need it. Leave a foot of extra cord on the end so you can wrap another bamboo stake later (step 3)

sturdying two bamboo cross members as part of the bean trellis

Step 2: After lashing, spread the stakes and place them in the ground 4 feet apart. Push them in the ground about 6 inches deep. If they aren’t steady, grab another person or some kind of a crutch to keep them upright.

Standing up the first span of bean trellis pieces in the garden

Step 3: Lash together another set of stakes. Place them 7 feet down from the first set, spaced 4 feet wide, and push the stakes in ground 6 inches. Add a bamboo stake on top and tie it on using the tail of the paracord left in step one.

securing four segments of bean trellis in the garden after standing them up

Step 4: Repeat step 3, until you reach your desired length of trellis.

Unrolling the plastic netting that will lay on the bamboo frame.

Step 5: Roll out netting. Place it on the bamboo trellis, looping on a top square for each bamboo stake. This will tack it in place. Trim off the end of netting.

Closeup of the green netting after being laid out and stretched on the bamboo frames.

Step 6: Use zip ties to attach the netting to the bamboo stakes. We used 2 to 3 zip ties on each stake.

zip-tying the green netting to the bamboo trellis, so it os secure.

Step 7: Repeat step 5 and 6 on the other side. Then plant along the outside edge of the netting on the soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall should a trellis be for pole beans?

A pole bean trellis should be at least 6 feet tall.

What is the best support for pole beans?

Pole beans grow well on a trellis made of sticks or bamboo stakes. Additional netting helps the beans climb easily.

What month do you plant pole beans?

Pole beans should be planted after all danger of frost has passed. The month is different depending on your area. Here’s where you can find your average last frost date if you don’t know it.
Another good way to know when to plant pole beans is to test soil temperature. They should be planted in soil that is at least 60°F for good germination. Additionally, the optimal soil temperature for bean germination is around 80°F.

Tips & Tricks for building a Pole Bean Trellis

Start with soil that has been prepared and is 100% ready for planting. Soil should be loose and free of weeds and debris.
When lashing sticks together, if you start with the bamboo stakes nearly parallel to each other and then separate the stakes to the appropriate width you will get a tighter lash because the cord will tighten as you pull the stakes apart.

Green Bean Recipes

Even though most of the fun is in growing pole beans, enjoying eating the harvest is the next best thing! When it comes time to harvest, here are some ideas:

We love to roast our green beans with a little butter, salt, and pepper. Or if you’re looking for a cold salad for a potluck, try my potato and green bean salad.

When there is more green beans than you can eat, freezing green beans is an easy way to preserve them.

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