Gardening with Kids in April: Build a Bean Teepee

April is the perfect time to head outdoors and plant something fun, fast-growing, and full of imagination. One of our favorite kid-friendly garden projects is building a living bean teepee—a structure made of poles and pole beans that grows into a magical hideout made of edible vines.

This project combines gardening, teamwork, creativity, and a bit of engineering—all while growing food your kids will love to snack on.

🌱 Why a Bean Teepee?

• It’s easy to build with just a few materials

• Beans grow fast, giving kids early success

• Creates shade, privacy, and play space

• Great for vertical gardening in small areas

🧰 Materials You’ll Need

• 5 to 7 bamboo poles or strong garden stakes (5–6 feet tall)

• Garden twine or natural rope

• Pole bean seeds (like Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder, or Scarlet Runner)

• Compost or organic potting soil

• Watering can

• Optional: hula hoop, fabric ribbons, or a flag for decorating

🛠️ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose a Sunny Spot

Beans need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

2. Create the Teepee Frame

Push the bottoms of the poles into the soil in a wide circle (about 3–4 feet across). Gather the tops together and tie securely with twine.

3. Wrap with Twine for Support

Wind twine horizontally around the frame to give the bean vines something to grab onto as they climb.

4. Sow the Beans

Plant bean seeds at the base of each pole, about 1 inch deep. Water well.

5. Watch and Wait

Beans sprout quickly—in about 5–10 days. By June, you’ll have a leafy green hideaway kids can crawl into.

🎨 Make It Your Own

• Add signs or plant labels with each child’s name

• Drape fabric to create shade early in the season

• Attach a flag or pinwheel to the top

• Grow flowers like nasturtiums at the base for extra color

🌿 Best Bean Varieties for Teepees

• Kentucky Wonder Pole – classic, productive, fast climber

• Scarlet Runner Bean – beautiful red flowers + edible beans

• Blue Lake Pole – tender pods and dependable harvest

Learning Through Play

• Science: Germination, plant structure, pollination

• Math: Measuring, spacing, timing growth

• Art: Decorating and customizing the teepee

• Responsibility: Daily watering and care

Love and Vegetables: Growing food, fun, and family—one pole bean at a time.