Like others say, trellis will work for pole beans and can be made free-standing. Last year I grew my climbing beans up some plastic trellis that I got for free(about 2 inch mesh, I think) that I threaded onto long bamboo stakes. I had a stake at either end, and then stakes in the middle about every 2 feet. By the end of the season it was a bit top-heavy because the bamboo has some flex in it, so I may use heavier stakes next time and possibly tie the trellis on with garden twine or light wire. But it definitely works.

I think your limitations in space warrant you starting with pole beans. The above postings are right in that everyone has their own taste. I started with strictly pole beans & have some experience with them. "Emerite" is the best pole filet bean, yields are very good and early in my northeast PA garden (get from Pinetree Garden Seeds). I also like the purple-pdded varietes, and have great luck with "Trionfo Violetto" (get them from Pinetree Garden Seeds). I am also heavy shell bean grower/eater. I grow "Wren's Egg" (from Heirloom Seeds), "True Cranberry" (from Seed Savers Exchange), and when i can find them cannellini and borlotto pole beans (Gourmet Seeds International). I also grow bush beans for shelling & drying, "Dutch Brown", "Flagrano" flageolet (the most tasty shell bean in my opinion), and "Black Turtle" beans, which have amazing yields for cuban black bean soup. For recipes, see the thread here called "How do you cook your beans?" Folks have posted some nice ones there. Well this should get you going. Happy gardening! Here is a link that might be useful: Pinetree Garden Seeds, perfect for small gardens

I have the same problem! I also have a problem of my pole beans just running rampant, and not being able to get them over to the trellis. I even put an extra length of netting to help get the runners that were farther away from the trellis. I did 4 squares down one side with a trellis on that border. I have lots of leaves, and some climbers, but no beans yet. I was thinking that maybe I was getting overly excited by the bush beans coming in (which take less time). I am also open to suggestions on controlling these buggers :) Oh, I got Japanese Beetles in there also (and a ton of aphids).

From what I have read about them - no claims to accuracy - they can be pole (both tall and short climb), bush, half runner, etc. and all mixed in the same row according to one grower I read on another forum. They aren't stable genetically and it all depends on the genetics of the particular bean planted what type of plant you get. I get the impression they are mostly pole type but so few grow them that it is difficult to get accurate info. You be the tester on this one and report back to us as to what happens. :) Dave