Bean Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings

Bean Companion Plants: Full List of Pairings

Beans are one of the best vegetables you can grow in the garden – whether they’re pole beans or bush beans, they’ll release nitrogen into the soil that benefits many other plants. A few of those plants can also help out beans in return! This full list of companion plants for beans includes many great options to try.

Some of the best bean companion plants include squash, corn, potatoes, summer savory, and nasturtiums, along with many other flowers, vegetables, and herbs.

Full List of Bean Companion Plants

The following vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers all make great pole bean and bush bean companion plants. They may deter pests, bring in beneficial insects, offer ground cover, improve soil quality, or otherwise assist with your beans’ growth and yield. Learn more about getting started with companion planting if you want spacing ideas and more guides.

The most famous companion planting combination is the “Three Sisters,” which includes squash, corn, and beans! You can recreate that or try your own grouping with the following.

Fruit and Vegetable Companion Plants for Beans

• Arugula, Lettuce, and Spinach – All bean varieties offer shade that can lengthen the growing season for these leafy greens. The partial shade from the large leaves of beans helps protect these greens from the hot sun, making them good companions.

• Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Collards, Kale, and Swiss Chard – Pole beans in particular benefit these Brassicas family members by offering shade, but bush beans will grow well with them as well. Brassicas also benefit from the nitrogen the beans fix in the soil, promoting healthier growth of bean plants.

• Carrots and Parsnips – Carrots, parsnips, and beans won’t compete with each other for nutrients or space and generally grow happily together. These root vegetables benefit from the nitrogen fixed by the bean roots.

• Corn – Corn makes an excellent companion plant for pole beans, since the corn stalks form a natural trellis for the beans to grow on. Bush beans will also grow nicely with corn but won’t necessarily get any benefit. Wait until the corn is at least a foot high before planting pole beans, though – otherwise the corn may not be able to support the beans’ weight.

• Cucumbers, Summer Squashes, and Winter Squashes – The nitrogen that beans release benefits all of these cucurbit family members. This symbiotic relationship is a great way to maximize garden space and ensure healthy growth of other plants. As part of the three sisters method, this is one of the top companion plants for beans.

• Eggplant and Tomatoes – Eggplants and tomatoes benefit from the nitrogen beans fix, and in turn may improve bean growth by attracting beneficial insects and providing some ground cover.

• Peas and Other Fellow Legumes – Beans get along well with peas and other bean varieties. Just make sure everyone has enough space and sunlight to grow. These legumes also share the benefit of nitrogen fixation, improving soil health for other garden plants.

• Potatoes – Potatoes prevent the Mexican bean beetle, while beans can deter the awful Colorado potato beetle. This mutual benefit makes them excellent companions in the vegetable garden.

• Radishes – Radishes enjoy the added nitrogen beans provide, while the beans may get a boost from the radishes. Radishes also act as a trap crop for flea beetles, helping protect beans.

• Strawberries – Perennial strawberries offer excellent ground cover provided you don’t choose a bean variety that blocks their sunlight. They can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce the growth of weeds.

Flowers to Plant Near Beans

• Alyssum – Sweet alyssum offers ground cover and brings in beneficial insects. Its beautiful flowers attract pollinators, enhancing the health of your bean crop.

• Cosmos – Cosmos attract many beneficial insects to your bean patch, promoting pest control.

• Marigolds – French marigolds deter nematodes and other common bean pests. Their strong odors are effective in keeping unwanted pests away from your beans.

• Nasturtiums – Nasturtiums can repel many bean pests and are particularly effective as a trap crop for aphids, protecting the health of your bean plants.

• Petunias – Pretty petunias can help prevent Mexican bean beetles from finding your crop. Their vibrant colors also add aesthetic value to your vegetable plot.

Herbs to Plant Near Beans

The following herbs all make excellent bush and pole bean companion plants, as they may keep bad bugs away, bring in beneficial ones, and even improve your beans’ flavor.

• Basil – Basil is known for its pest control properties, repelling a variety of insect pests and enhancing the flavor of beans.

• Catnip – Catnip repels flea beetles, cabbage moths, and other pests, making it a beneficial companion plant.

• Chamomile – Chamomile attracts beneficial insects and may improve the flavor of beans.

• Cilantro – Cilantro attracts beneficial insects and can help control pest populations around bean plants.

• Dill – Dill attracts beneficial insects, including predatory wasps, which help control harmful garden pests.

• Fennel – While fennel can be problematic for some plants, it can coexist well with beans, attracting beneficial insects.

• Mints – Mints repel various pests and attract beneficial insects. Their strong scent deters unwanted pests from your bean crop.

• Oregano – Oregano repels insect pests with its strong scent and attracts beneficial insects.

• Rosemary – Rosemary helps deter bean pests and can enhance the flavor of your beans.

• Summer Savory – Summer savory can help bean growth, deter pests, and may even improve your beans’ flavor. It is a traditional companion for beans, enhancing their growth.

• Tansy – Tansy repels various insect pests and attracts beneficial insects.

• Thyme – Thyme’s strong smell repels harmful pests and attracts beneficial insects.

What NOT to Plant Next to Beans

You should grow some plants in an area far away from beans. Common reasons are because they can share diseases or will otherwise stunt your beans’ growth.

Plants to Avoid with Beans

• Beets – Beets shouldn’t be planted with pole beans. Beets can compete for nutrients, affecting the growth of beans.

• Onions and Other Alliums – Beans shouldn’t be planted too close to alliums, like garlic, chives, and onions, since they can stunt each other’s growth and may share diseases. Avoid planting beans in an area where alliums were planted the previous year, as well.

• Sunflowers – Sunflowers can stunt bean growth due to their strong root systems and competition for nutrients.

Happy Planting!

With this list, you should have plenty of options for pole bean, bush bean, and green beans companion plants. Enjoy the benefits of companion planting and have a bountiful harvest!

Here’s a guide for companion planting with peas, which are also legumes.