The Tee Pee is easy to construct and they will observe lots of garden goings on while playing in it.
First find the posts for your Tee Pee. I used three old christmas tree trunks and two metal fence stakes (you might use 2x4s, large branches, whatever you have around).
Next, set the trunks and stakes up to stand like a Tee Pee and then twist around the intersecting tops with twine until it stands securely and tie a knot to fasten it in place.
Then, make a trellis over the Tee Pee for plants to grow up and fill in. You can purchase nylon trellis, cut it to fit, and staple it on, or, you can make your own trellis out of twine (very easy and very quick). I fastened a piece of twine a few inches from the top of the structure. Run it horizontally to each post, wrapping it around each post and continuing to the next. Keep the distance from the top about the same.
Once all the way around at that level, fasten (or tie) another piece about 5-6 inches farther down the structure and do the same. Repeat this proceedure (remembering to keep an opening for the Tee Pee) until within a few inches of the bottom.
Then put in vertical pieces to fill in between the posts. To do this, tie the twine to the top of the structure and run it down, wrapping it around each horizontal piece of twine as they meet. Once you reach the bottom, stake it into the soil (I used "Garden Staples").
Once your trellis is complete, you are ready to plant your seeds or plants. This year we are using Hyacinth Beans, Birdhouse Gourds, and Morning Glories. You can use any type of Pole Beans, or vining annuals. Some use Scarlet Runner Beans. Plant around the structure where the vines will be able to climb the posts or trellis and water them well.
Once you're finished planting, you may want to put some type of mulch in the Tee Pee for a floor to sit on.
