Tepee or not tepee !

**Snadger** · 02-02-2009, 07:22 AM

The weight of crop from a given area is probably more for the 'row' method of growing.
Where the tepee scores is that it can be utilised in a smaller area, theoretically a cone construction should also be less susceptible to wind damage.
You can have multiple tepees or a single large row, it all boils down to personal choice!

**Two_Sheds** · 02-02-2009, 07:32 AM

I trialled (how posh) both ways in 2007: wigwams versus rows.
I have a very windy site, and the rows were destroyed - the wigwams were much stronger.

I tried different styles of wigwam - 4 canes, 3 canes, 6 canes.

4 canes is the strongest wigwam.

**Two_Sheds** · 02-02-2009, 07:37 AM

What I do now, to maximise space and retain the strength of a wigwam, is to make 2 rows of canes, each 18" apart.

x x x x x x

x x x x x x

Then I tie them at the top, into fours.
Then I tie strings to the top, and pull it down between each cane, pegged tightly to the soil with tent pegs. I grow a bean up each string, and up each cane (every bean is 9" apart from its neighbour). Stop each bean when it reaches the top, or it'll get messy up there.

I started using string because its cheaper than canes, but then found that the beans grow better up a string, as long as its TIGHT.
Natural twine works much better than polypropylene twine, which just shreds.

It works for me: I get tons of beans.

**Eyren** · 02-02-2009, 11:56 AM

So am I right in understanding that you basically have three 4-cane wigwams in a tight row? I'm trying climbing peas and French beans this year, as well as runners, and would like to get a good crop!

**Flummery** · 02-02-2009, 12:00 PM

I find wigwams far less susceptible to the wind too. Overall, I couldn't really say about crops - I never weigh or measure my crops - looking a gift horse etc!

If I have spaces created by the wigwam line, I put lettuces or even courgettes in there, depending on how much room there is.

**poozie** · 02-02-2009, 12:13 PM

last year we used two 'tents' of canes and they stood up to the galeforce winds on top of our lottie. The previous year we used wigwams but ours, and several of our neighbours blew over towards end of season.

**pigletwillie** · 02-02-2009, 12:19 PM

I have three permanent bean beds and they are rows. However the end posts and the horizontal bar are scafffolding poles so no worries about them being blown over.

On a couple of other beds I do use wigwams but find the climbing varieties all bunch up at the top causing congestion and poor flower set so only plant them very lightly.

If you can make a solid row, they are best for yield and growth of the plants, if you are in a windy area or have space issues, perhaps a wigwam is the best option for you.

**Flobalob** · 02-02-2009, 02:54 PM

Many thanks everyone.
My garden is very well screened all round from any winds. We are more or less enclosed by conifers. I'm hoping this is an asset when i plant my carrots (carrot fly wise)
Space may be the deciding factor then, as this will be at a premium mid-season. So it will be wigwams on my reservation (;-)
Yesterday I dug a trench along the trellis for runner beans. The 'One who must be obeyed' spotted me and was not amused that i might be lifting her climbing Montana..
I'll give it onother try on Valentines day.

**Two_Sheds** · 02-02-2009, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by Flobalob View Post

We are more or less enclosed by conifers. I'm hoping this is an asset when i plant my carrots (carrot fly wise)

Nope

It flies close to the ground, not up in the air. Sorry.
The trees make a good shelter belt though

**Eyren** · 02-02-2009, 03:52 PM

Originally posted by pigletwillie View Post

I
On a couple of other beds I do use wigwams but find the climbing varieties all bunch up at the top causing congestion and poor flower set so only plant them very lightly.

If you can make a solid row, they are best for yield and growth of the plants, if you are in a windy area or have space issues, perhaps a wigwam is the best option for you.

We're not too windy - other plotholders have had rows - but not completely sheltered either, so I think I'm going to try a compromise: wigwams at either end, with a row running between them!

**sweetcorn** · 03-02-2009, 08:59 AM

Do you plant your peas in wigwams too? Must admit I always struggle with pea sticks and they end up in a horrible tangly mess.

**Flummery** · 03-02-2009, 09:19 AM

I've started growing tall peas - heritage varieties - and yes, I do use wigwams. I never manage to do very well with peasticks either. I've found it better for anything a bit shorter (I like oregon sugar pod for a mangetout which gets to about 4ft here) I use that thick plastic mesh with about 2" squares - it comes on a roll and is brown. I support that at each end and the peas not only scramble up well, but they are easy to detach in the autumn too.

**Eyren** · 03-02-2009, 09:53 AM

I used chicken wire for my dwarf peas (Waverex) last year - like Flummery's netting, it was much easier to manage than peasticks!

**TonyF** · 03-02-2009, 01:10 PM

I'm with Flummers on this one, I use a similar thick fencing, with bamboo woven through it in an over/under pattern, the bamboo then pushed into the raied beds.

I also slope the structures forward so that it's easier to pick the peas or beans.

Do occassionally use wigwams but through necessity, not through choice because they're often difficult to crop.

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