Growing Green Beans and Cucumbers Together: A Perfect Companion Plant Pair

As a gardener, you likely know that strategic companion planting can help your garden thrive. Certain plants just seem to “get along” when grown side-by-side. One classic pairing that should be on every gardener’s companion plant list? Green beans and cucumbers.

These two vegetables make perfect garden partners Read on to learn why combining green beans and cucumbers works so well, along with tips for growing them together for a bountiful harvest

Why Are Green Beans Good Companions for Cucumbers?

Green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) just naturally complement each other. Here are some of the top reasons these two vegetables make ideal companion plants:

• Soil benefits – As legumes, green beans fix nitrogen from the air into the soil through their roots. This nitrogen enriches the soil, benefiting nitrogen-loving plants like cucumbers.

• Growth habits – Pole green beans and cucumbers are both sprawling vines that can share vertical space when trellised or staked together.

• Pest control – Research shows that interplanting cucumbers and green beans can help deter cucumber beetles, a major cucumber pest.

• Harvest timing – Green beans produce earlier than cucumbers, so combining these vegetables extends your harvest window.

• Flavor enhancement – Some gardeners report cucumbers take on a pleasant, mild bean-like taste when planted near green beans.

With benefits like improved soil fertility, pest control, and staggered harvests, this duo is one of the best cucumber companion options for any garden.

Tips for Growing Green Beans and Cucumbers as Companions

To take full advantage of companion planting green beans with cucumbers, follow these tips:

Choose appropriate green bean types – Bush green beans or short pole beans work better than tall pole bean varieties, as they won’t overshadow cucumber vines. Stick to beans under 5 feet tall.

Use vertical space – Support both plants on a trellis, fence, or cage to maximize vertical growing room. This works best with pole bean types.

Allow enough horizontal space – Give each plant 1-3 feet of space to spread. Dense spacing creates humidity that encourages disease.

Plant timely – Sow green beans 2-3 weeks before planting cucumber seeds or transplants. This gives beans a head start.

Consider crop rotations – Don’t follow cucumbers with beans (or visa versa) in the same spot two years in a row to prevent disease.

Add compost – Mix in 1-2 inches of compost or well-aged manure before planting to feed both heavy-feeding plants.

Water regularly – Give plants consistent moisture, especially when flowering and fruiting. Inconsistent water stresses plants.

Scout for pests – Monitor for cucumber beetles and pick off any you see early on to prevent major damage.

Harvest promptly – Pick green beans and cucumbers as soon as they size up to prevent over-mature produce.

How to Plant Green Beans and Cucumbers Together

Once you’ve chosen appropriate bean and cucumber varieties, it’s time to get them planted. Here are some approaches:

In rows – Plant rows of green beans and cucumbers side-by-side. Space rows 2-4 feet apart.

Mixed rows – Alternate planting a few bean seeds, then cucumber seeds, in single rows. Space plants 1 foot apart.

Around supports – Circle bean seeds around the base of cucumber trellises or cages. Or plant cukes around bean supports.

Raised beds – Include both vegetables in larger raised beds, sowing them in separate sections.

Containers – Plant one cucumber and one green bean together in larger pots, training both up supports.

Get creative with configurations to optimize space! Just be sure not to crowd plants too closely.

Best Green Bean Varieties to Grow with Cucumbers

While any green bean can work, some varieties that pair particularly well with cucumbers include:

• Provider – High-yielding, early bush bean. Sets beans before diseases arrive.

• Rattlesnake – Vinelike bush bean. Tolerates some shade from cucumber vines.

• Blue Lake – Prolific pole bean that reaches 5-7 feet. Grows well on joint supports.

• Kentucky Wonder – Versatile heirloom pole bean. Does well trellised with cucumbers.

• Scarlet Runner – Ornamental edible bean with bright flowers to attract pollinators.

Best Cucumber Varieties to Grow with Green Beans

Here are some top cucumber varieties to grow as companions for green beans:

• SliceMaster – Disease-resistant slicing cucumber. Produces abundantly.

• Marketmore – Reliable cucumber for both slicing and pickling. Compact vines.

• Boston Pickling – Prolific pickling cuke. Loves nitrogen from bean roots.

• Mini White – Crunchy 4-5 inch fruits good for containers. earlier harvest.

• Lemon – Round, lemon-colored heirloom. Unique look and mild flavor.

The beauty of interplanting green beans and cucumbers is that it benefits both plants so well. With the proper planning and care, you can enjoy a long harvest of both crunchy cucumbers and flavorful green beans from your garden.