The Best Bean Companions: Plants That Will Help Your Beans Thrive

Beans are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be grown in many different climates. But did you know that there are certain plants that can help your beans thrive? These are called companion plants, and they can provide a number of benefits to beans, including:

• Attracting beneficial insects and repelling pests. Many companion plants attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests that can damage beans. Other companion plants, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, have strong scents that repel pests, such as Mexican bean beetles.
• Providing shade and support. Pole beans need something to climb on, and companion plants such as corn and sunflowers can provide the necessary support. Bush beans can also benefit from the shade of taller companion plants, such as tomatoes and eggplants.
• Improving soil health. Some companion plants, such as clover and peas, are legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil. This can benefit beans, which are nitrogen-fixing plants themselves. Other companion plants, such as carrots and potatoes, help to improve soil drainage and aeration.

So, which are the best bean companions? Here are a few of the top picks:

• Basil: Basil is a classic companion plant for beans, and for good reason. It helps to repel pests, such as aphids and mosquitoes, and it also enhances the flavor of beans.
• Carrots: Carrots and beans are a great combination because they have different root systems. Carrots grow underground, while beans grow above ground. This means that they don't compete for resources, and they can actually help each other thrive.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and beans are another great companion plant combination. They both like warm weather and full sun, and they can help each other to repel pests.
• Marigolds: Marigolds are a popular companion plant for many vegetables, and beans are no exception. They help to repel pests, such as Mexican bean beetles, and they also add a splash of color to the garden.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are another great companion plant for beans. They help to repel pests, such as aphids and whiteflies, and they also attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs.

These are just a few of the many great companion plants for beans. When choosing companion plants, it's important to consider the specific needs of your beans and the conditions in your garden. But by following these tips, you can help your beans thrive and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

Visit Home Gardening for more information about bean companions.

FAQ of bean companions

• What are bean companions?

Bean companions are plants that are beneficial to beans when they are grown together. They can help to repel pests, attract pollinators, improve soil health, and even increase yields.

• What are the benefits of companion planting with beans?

There are many benefits to companion planting with beans. Some of the most common benefits include:

* Pest control: Some companion plants can help to repel pests that are common to beans, such as aphids, beetles, and borers. For example, marigolds are a good companion plant for beans because they help to repel the Mexican bean beetle.
* Pollination: Some companion plants can attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which can help to increase bean yields. For example, nasturtiums are a good companion plant for beans because they attract pollinators.
* Soil health: Some companion plants can help to improve soil health by fixing nitrogen, breaking down organic matter, and suppressing weeds. For example, peas are a good companion plant for beans because they fix nitrogen in the soil.
* Yields: Some companion plants can help to increase bean yields by providing shade, reducing competition for water and nutrients, and improving pollination. For example, corn is a good companion plant for beans because it provides shade and reduces competition for water and nutrients.

• What are some good bean companions?

Some of the best bean companions include:

* Corn: Corn is a good companion plant for beans because it provides shade and reduces competition for water and nutrients.
* Potatoes: Potatoes are a good companion plant for beans because they help to suppress weeds and improve soil health.
* Squash: Squash is a good companion plant for beans because it helps to suppress weeds and improve soil health.
* Marigolds: Marigolds are a good companion plant for beans because they help to repel pests.
* Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are a good companion plant for beans because they attract pollinators.
* Peas: Peas are a good companion plant for beans because they fix nitrogen in the soil.
* Summer savory: Summer savory is a good companion plant for beans because it helps to repel pests.
* Tomatillos: Tomatillos are a good companion plant for beans because they help to attract pollinators.

• What are some bad bean companions?

Some of the worst bean companions include:

* Onions: Onions can suppress the growth of beans.
* Garlic: Garlic can suppress the growth of beans.
* Cucumbers: Cucumbers can compete with beans for water and nutrients.
* Melons: Melons can compete with beans for water and nutrients.
* Pumpkins: Pumpkins can compete with beans for water and nutrients.

Image of bean companions

• Carrots: Beans and carrots are a classic companion planting combination. Carrots help to suppress the growth of root-knot nematodes, which can be a problem for beans.
• Celery: Celery helps to repel aphids, which can be a problem for beans.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers and beans help to shade the soil, which helps to keep it cool and moist. This is beneficial for both plants.
• Eggplant: Eggplant helps to repel pests, such as beetles and aphids, which can be a problem for beans.
• Peas: Peas and beans are both legumes, which means that they fix nitrogen in the soil. This is beneficial for both plants, as it helps to improve the soil quality.
• Potatoes: Potatoes and beans help to deter pests, such as Colorado potato beetles, which can be a problem for both plants.
• Radish: Radish helps to suppress the growth of weeds, which can compete with beans for nutrients and water.
• Strawberries: Strawberries and beans help to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests.
• Sunflowers: Sunflowers help to attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which help to pollinate beans.