Best and Worst Companion Plants for Bush Beans

Bush beans are a productive staple in many gardens, valued for their compact growth that requires no special support. Their quick journey from seed to harvest makes them a satisfying choice for gardeners. To enhance their productivity, many growers turn to companion planting. This practice involves strategically placing different plants to create a small ecosystem that promotes health, improves yields, and builds a more resilient garden.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Bush Beans

The advantages of pairing other plants with bush beans are varied and contribute to a healthier garden. One primary benefit is natural pest deterrence. Certain companion plants release scents or compounds that confuse or repel common pests like the Mexican bean beetle, reducing damage without chemical interventions. This strategy helps protect your bean crop while fostering a balanced ecosystem.

Beyond repelling pests, some companions attract beneficial insects. Flowering herbs and plants can draw in predatory insects, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which prey on pests that target beans. This creates a natural form of pest control that works throughout the growing season. Pollinators are also drawn to these flowers, improving the overall productivity of the garden.

As members of the legume family, bush beans offer a benefit to the soil. They form a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria, which allows them to take nitrogen from the atmosphere and “fix” it into a form other plants can use. This process enriches the soil, making them an excellent neighbor for heavy nitrogen feeders. Interplanting with companions of different growth habits also maximizes garden space.

Best Companion Plants for Bush Beans

Vegetables

Selecting the right vegetable partners for bush beans can lead to mutual benefits and a more productive garden.

• Carrots are a suitable neighbor because their roots occupy a different soil level, preventing competition for resources. The beans, in turn, provide the carrots with a steady supply of nitrogen, which supports their growth.
• Cucumbers thrive in similar conditions of warmth and rich, moist soil, making them an agreeable partner for bush beans that will not compete aggressively for nutrients.
• Radishes can be planted between bean rows. Their fast growth means they can be harvested before the bean plants reach their mature size, making efficient use of the available space.
• Potatoes and bush beans have a helpful relationship; potatoes help protect the beans from the Mexican bean beetle, while the beans can help deter the Colorado potato beetle.
• Corn and bush beans work well together. The tall corn stalks can provide some light shade for the beans, while the beans enrich the soil with nitrogen for the nutrient-demanding corn plants.

Herbs

Certain herbs offer protective benefits to bush beans, primarily through their strong aromas.

• Rosemary is highly effective at repelling the Mexican bean beetle due to the potent scent of its foliage. Its woody, upright growth habit means it will not overcrowd the lower-growing bush beans.
• Thyme serves as a useful living mulch when planted around the base of bean plants. Its low, spreading growth helps to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, reducing the need for watering.
• Summer savory is another herb that deters bean beetles and is thought to improve the growth and flavor of the beans themselves. This traditional pairing is favored by many gardeners.
• Basil is a valuable companion, as its strong oils are known to deter pests like thrips. Its compact size ensures it won’t compete for sunlight or root space.
• Oregano can repel aphids and attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, adding another layer of protection.

Flowers

Flowers are not just for decoration; they can play an active role in protecting your garden.

• Marigolds are well-known for their ability to repel a wide range of pests, including Mexican bean beetles. They also release a substance into the soil that can suppress harmful nematodes.
• Nasturtiums are an excellent choice, acting as a “trap crop” for aphids. Pests are often drawn to the nasturtiums instead of the beans, which helps to protect your primary crop. The flowers and leaves are also edible.
• Borage is a flowering herb that is particularly good at attracting pollinators like bees and beneficial predatory insects. This helps to ensure good pollination and natural pest control.
• Petunias can also serve a protective function, repelling a variety of pests including asparagus beetles and leafhoppers.

Plants to Avoid Planting Near Bush Beans

Just as some plants are beneficial, others can negatively impact the growth and health of bush beans. The most documented group of incompatible plants for beans is the allium family. This includes onions, garlic, leeks, and chives, which are believed to release a substance from their roots that stunts the growth of bean plants. For this reason, they should be planted in a completely separate area of the garden.

Fennel should also be kept far from bush beans. It is allelopathic, meaning it releases biochemicals into the soil that inhibit the growth of many other plants, including beans. This effect is not unique to beans, and fennel is best grown in isolation.

Sunflowers can also present a problem for bush beans. Like fennel, sunflowers have allelopathic properties that can hinder the growth of neighboring plants. While they are sometimes recommended as a trellis for pole beans, their use near bush beans is not advised due to this growth-inhibiting characteristic.