Growing Bean Teepees
The jobs that we may consider "work" in the garden are simply adventures waiting to be lived out in a child’s world. With this in mind, we have decided to dedicate areas of our landscape and garden to the majority in our household (yes, we are outnumbered 5 to 2) and creatively plant our vegetables and garden in a way that the children can also reap the benefits of their prolific growth and fruit.
Planning a garden with a child in mind, whether the child is your own, a grandchild, a neighbor or a scout troop, gives you the opportunity to be a child again. As we have discovered, one of our children’s favorite shady hideaways in the garden during the warm days of summer is in their Bean Teepee Garden.
The magic of a secret garden with a special clubhouse hidden amongst vines of flavorful beans brings out great imaginations and hours of play. You can make it big enough for two, or in our case five, so that everyone can indulge in the fun. Not only does it make a fabulous fort, it also is home to our pole bean crop, which are picked fresh and eaten before they can reach the kitchen counter. Here are some tips on planting your own Bean Teepee.
How to Create a Bean Teepee Garden
1 Packet Wax Bean Seeds 1 Packet Purple Bean Seeds Six 6-8 foot long Bamboo Stakes Twine or string
Optional Straw for mulch 1 Packet Marigold Seeds 1 Packet Carrot Seeds 1 Packet Radish Seeds
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3 Step 4 Plant two green bean seeds and two wax bean seeds or purple bean seeds at the base of each pole. We prefer to alternate the wax beans and purple beans every other pole so that we get a nice variety of beans and colors. The beans should be planted about one inch deep.
Step 5
Step 6 Step 7 Thin the bean plants when they have two sets of true leaves on each plant. Choose the two strongest plants around each pole and clip off the rest. Place straw inside your teepee to help keep weeds down and give the kids a soft cushion to sit on.
Step 8
Your Bean Teepee Garden will provide hours of enjoyment and the beginning of healthy eating habits for your child. Start one today and see where your imagination might take you when you see your garden through a child’s eyes. |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
Oh, to be young again! Every day as I watch curiosity, wonder
and amazement consume my children as they discover the simplest pleasures
of life, I am reminded that the world through a child’s eyes is one
of the best perspectives to have. After all, every flowering plant is
beautiful (even the weeds), worms are worth spending 10 minutes to hold
and dangle in the air, and unearthing a carrot for the first time is cause
for major celebration.
Supplies
Needed