[Buddleja]

I've just got my bamboo poles for my beans but would like some construction advice. I'm thinking of two rows of poles with one across the top. How would you attach them together? Twine? Or string? Or wire? Or is a wigwam better? I'm hoping to do it tomorrow 

[JayG]

An arrangement which stops the beans growing towards each other and becoming congested at the top is usually considered to be best - in that respect the traditional inverted "V" is better than a wigwam, although a wigwam is less likely to blow over on a windy site.

From the point of view of growing and picking an "X" formation is very good (imagine your first inverted "V" arrangement but with the crossover point moved half way down the uprights - the beans grow away rather than towards each other and most of them hang down very conveniently for picking.)

[Buddleja]

Thanks Jay, an X sounds like a clever idea and would make picking easier. Also a lower centre of gravity might make it more sturdy in wind.

[JayG]

You'll be fine with new canes - the "X" is a bit risky with old, brittle canes as some of the weight is unsupported and they can snap.

If you search the forum (probably just "X" would do it) you will find other possibilities, also search for the "Munty frame" if you really want to fill your boots with ideas!

[Buddleja]

The munty frame looks great - but more challenbing to build. As the canes are new I think I'll try the X frame and keep my fingers crossed about the weight.

[Annen]

Your title says broad beans and runners, but I think you would need a different kind of frame for runner beans to broad beans. You need stout posts at each corner with wire or string around for broad beans.