bean trellis
 

Time for a new trellis to grow beans on. Last season we had a hastily assembled tripod of sticks and it left a lot to be desired. A purpose built trellis was in order.

I experimented with an arch construction technique for a cold frame I built in the fall and I really like it. Strong, light weight, and economical on material.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps958af4f7.jpg

So I went with the same theme for the bean trellis. It's light so it's easy for one person to move around for crop rotation. The ground hasn't been prepared in the photo but once it's ready I'll stake the trellis plates down to keep it in place. It's hard to get a sense of scale from the picture but the structure is 9'5" tall and 6' wide. The sheets of 6" concrete reinforcing mesh are 3 1/2' x 7' and I used four sheets in total. The mesh is held to the arches with fender washers and screws. It's quite stiff and should hold a full crop of beans without issue.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps6c44b34a.jpg

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...ps7d40030d.jpg

I think the arch construction could have a lot of uses where a light weight, stiff, structure is the goal. It's cost effective and quite easy to do. Good luck on your project(s)!

Nice roll up sides.

That looks really nice! I'm gonna steal your design!

Thanks! The design isn't mine though. If I knew who came up with it I'd give credit.

And I'm glad to hear you're going to use the idea. Spreading information is why we post here :)

Cheers,