I have a good problem in my garden. My scarlet runner beans are doing much better than I expected.
My mother-in-law saved these seeds for me last year. I’d never actually seen them growing, so I had no idea how well they would do. When I first put them in the ground, it took ages for them to sprout. When they finally did, they were sluggish to grow. So I gave them a small trellis and figured it’d be good enough.
Nope.
Like some imitation of “Jack and the Beanstalk” my beans seemed to grow several feet overnight.
Then I had a problem. My beans were firmly wrapped around the trellis. Yet it was clearly not enough room for them. The poor things were putting out long, wistful arms in search of some more support.
I started brain storming ideas for how to add to my trellis. My problems were solved, though, at Sorticulture.
I bought a set of Twisters, which I think are a brilliant idea. They were $25 for a box of three, complete with anchors to hold them in the soil. You have to supply some sort of pole for support. I used a pole meant for a hanging basket or birdfeeder.
Before you put them up, they simply look like this.
Now that they are up, my beans are happier and can resume climbing and growing. I can’t wait to actually eat them. (I’m also glad that the Twisters collapse flat. It will make storage easier this winter.)
While I’m waiting for beans, I’ll enjoy the pretty flowers.
If you want a set of your own Twister, keep an eye out nurseries, garden shows and festivals. Or you can order them online for about $25, plus shipping.
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