[erainn]

About to set-off in seach of bamboo canes for runner beans I hope to grow. I'm thinking using a wigwam type support and wondered if I could use three canes only for each frame. Would that be sufficient?

[8doubles]

I would suggest that a 600mm spread at the base is the minimum for stability (make sure the canes are in deep) and you will need more than 3 canes around a 600mm diameter circle.
The runner bean plants will be heavy and may have to cope with high winds so make sure the wigwam is strong enough.

[Goosegirl]

For extra stability you could tie in canes horizontally around the wigwam in several layers.

[erainn]

Hi, thanks for guiding me on that, good advice

[cooperman]

wigwams tend to get a bit congested at the top so nipping out the tips as soon as they get there is a good idea....  I would suggest that a 600mm dia would only realistically have a max of 8 canes, practically I would have a wider diameter at the base - say 900mm with 2.4m canes....  I always have my beans in rows on the plot BUT do grow some in a LARGE tub at home with a wigwam, handy to just pop outside for a quick pluck!!