Building A TeePee Trellis for Kids

 

 

 

 

 

Last year I used a teepee for my pole beans and it worked well, but I decided to modify it to maximize my harvest.  I added several bars to the teepee so I could plant beans completely around the tee pee.  I left one side open so my grandchildren can have a seat inside while Mawmaw is gardening.   I have an adorable miniature chair that I can place inside the teepee for them to rest. 

It was quite simple and inexpensive to make.  I used the bamboo poles from last season and cuttings from my bamboo squash trellis from last year as well.  I found some string that I had laying around to tie the pieces to the teepee.  Lowes and Home Depot sell bamboo poles that won't break the bank if you can't found a resource locally.  My brother has a yard full of bamboo, so I lucked out.  The poles should be 7 - 8 feet tall and you need at least 4.  More can be used depending on how large and wide you want the teepee.   I used 4 7 foot poles and 5 bars across.  Be sure to secure the poles at the top tightly and get them deep into the ground before you tie on the horizontal poles. 

 I used Blue Lake pole beans, which I planted a week ago.  They have germinated already!  I was quite surprised when I went down to the garden this week-end and these sprouts were waiting for me.  Hopefully, they will continue to rise.  I did plant a few rows of Jade bush beans, which were recommended by a fellow gardener.  Can't wait to try them.  They have sprouted as well.  I need to take a picture a of them.  I used them a companion to my tomatoes and cukes.  Do you plant pole beans or are you a bush bean gardener.  What's your favorite green bean?   


 
                                                                  

Last of the Garden

I'm trying to clean up the garden and close it for the season.  I have plenty of green tomatoes, dill which came back from the dead, peppers and maybe a handful of green beans left after this harvest.  I love having fresh dill in the freezer and dried.  I use the dried dill in a potato chip dip recipe, which I'm addicted to and eat by the gallon.  Why do all the bad foods taste so good?  Here's my Creamy Dill potato chip recipe:

Ingredients:   2 cups of Mayo 2 cups of Sour Cream 1 tbsp Parsley 3 tbsp Dill Weed 3 tbsp onion  (I use yellow) Seasoning salt to taste Mix well, chill before serving.

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I was able to do 8 pints of pickled peppers from this bunch and blanch and freeze a quart of green beans from this batch.  Next season, I need to double the amount of green bean plants to ensure I have enough to share and for soups and casseroles.  I'm already planning my garden for next season.

I'm freezing this batch of dill.  I'll dry what's left in the garden for my dip. 

I snapped these pictures of a groundhog and cat out my bedroom window this morning.  The cat is curious and wants to be friends, but the groundhog is only interested in eating. 

From the looks of him, he hasn't missed any meals.  I trapped 7 this season and my neighbor trapped 7.  This one is in neighbor's yard, I hope he stays there.  Looks like he's been eating well.  He is huge.  I had a few that managed to dig under the garden fence, but not much damage was done.  They love the green bean leaves and tomatoes.  Havahart live traps are great! 

Well I need to have another cup of coffee, take a nap and than go down to the garden and harvest the remaining tomatoes.  I have a 3 day week-end, so I'll be scrap booking, clearing out the garden and just enjoying this beautiful fall weather that we're having.  What's happening in your garden?  What's your plans for the Columbus Day week-end?  Leave me a comment, I love them!