Pea, and bean climbing structures!

This week at the farm we are making pea, and bean climbing structures for the garden. They work brilliantly for peas, french beans, and mangetout and also for sweet peas. I love using branches for this as it looks so in keeping and natural at the farm. Here are a few helpful steps on how we made them. 

1. Set the back row of uprights  

Place a straight line of tall branches into the soil along your lawn edge or bed (about 25–30 cm apart), all leaning very slightly forward toward the viewer so they feel intentional and rhythmic.

2. Add the front row for the “A” shape  

In front of each back cane, set a second cane 15–20 cm away, leaning back so each pair crosses about two‑thirds of the way up, forming repeated A‑frames.

3. Tie the crossings  

Where each pair of canes crosses, lash them together firmly with twine; keep the knots all at the same height to create that smart, ordered line.

4. Run a horizontal top rail  

Lay a long cane along the very top, touching each pair, and tie it on at every intersection so the whole run reads as one continuous, architectural structure.

5. Plant and train  

Plant one or two peas/beans at the base of each branch; as they grow, wind them onto the front and back cane of their pair so you end up with a vertical curtain of foliage and flowers.