While many gardeners make do with old tree branches or bamboo stakes for supporting seasonal veggies, such structures aren't always the sturdiest and definitely aren't very long-lived. We consider this metal five foot tall tower to be a worthwhile investment, lasting from year to year and better yet, storing flat when not in use. A tube of galvanized metal is driven into the ground and is supported by a lightweight metal base about two feet across. A smaller metal "hat" (about 12 inches in diameter) sits on top of the tube and cotton twine is run from the the hat down to the base with enough room for 12 pole bean plants or 36 pea vines. This structure will also work for cucumbers, smaller squashes such as "Jack Be Little" pumpkins, or even a tomato vine or two (yes, they can be trained up twine supports). 

We think this tower will be great for summer annual ornamentals as well, such as climbing sweet potato vines (think alternating chartreuse green varieties with the dark red/black ones), sweet peas, and thunbergia (aka Black-eyed Susan vines). Imagine - five feet of lush greenery and/or flowers!