What to Plant with Pole Beans: The Best Companion Plants for a Productive Garden

Pole beans are a versatile vegetable that can be grown in many gardens. Not only do they produce a bountiful harvest, but they also enrich the soil with nitrogen. Plus, pole bean vines add visual interest and vertical greenery

However, to get the most out of your pole bean crop, it pays to plant companion plants that maximize their growth and yields. Certain plant pairings can protect pole beans from pests or diseases. Meanwhile, other companion plants simply occupy a different soil stratum so they don’t compete for resources.

This article will explore the best and worst companion plants for pole beans Read on to learn which plant “friends” you should add to your bean patch.

Why Do Companion Planting with Pole Beans?

Companion planting is based on the idea that certain plant species can benefit each other when grown in close proximity. This symbiotic relationship enables plants to fend off insect pests, attract pollinators, or provide nutrients.

Here are some key reasons why companion planting is useful for pole beans:

• Pest control – Some plants naturally repel or confuse pests that attack pole beans, such as bean beetles. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides.

• Soil enrichment – As legumes, pole beans fix nitrogen from the air into the soil. Neighboring plants thrive on this nitrogen.

• Space efficiency – Allowing pole beans to climb corn stalks or sunflowers makes use of vertical growing space.

• Flavor enhancement – Herb companions like summer savory can improve the taste of pole bean crops.

• Pollination – Plants like marigolds attract beneficial pollinating insects to your vegetable garden.

Best Companion Plants for Pole Beans

Many vegetable crops, herbs, and flowers make ideal companion plants for pole beans. Here are some of the best companions to grow with this vining veggie:

Corn

The classic “Three Sisters” companion planting combination is corn, pole beans, and squash. Sturdy corn stalks support the vining bean plants, while the beans provide nitrogen to the corn and squash. The large squash leaves also create a living mulch around the corn’s base.

Cucumbers

Pole beans and cucumbers are great companion plants for a couple reasons. First, beans repel cucumber pests like beetles. Second, both vegetables thrive in similar growing conditions. Just be sure to provide support for each plant to climb.

Marigolds

Marigolds deter a wide range of common garden pests, including bean beetles. For maximum effectiveness, plant marigolds throughout your bean patch, rather than just along the border. The marigolds’ bright blooms also attract pollinators.

Beets

Interestingly, bush beans and beets don’t make good companions. But pole beans get along fine with beets! Both crops appreciate fertile, well-drained soil. Just make sure to harvest beets before the pole bean vines sprawl too far.

Carrots

Since they occupy different soil depths, pole beans and carrots don’t compete for space, sunlight, or nutrients. Beans also help deter the pests, like carrot flies, that attack carrots.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes and beans are a classic pair because they boost each other’s growth. Beans provide nitrogen, while tomato plants shade beans on hot days and break strong winds. Just plant them at least 2 feet apart so they don’t compete.

Nasturtiums

No vegetable garden is complete without nasturtiums! Their bright flowers beckon pollinators, while the leaves and roots deter pests like aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. Beans also benefit from the nasturtiums’ trap cropping abilities.

Radishes

Fast-growing radishes will be ready to harvest by the time your pole beans are just getting started. Radishes loosen and aerate the soil, which benefits your beans’ root development. Plus, they help mark the rows while repelling cucumber beetles.

Lettuce

As a low-growing, shallow rooted plant, lettuce makes an ideal neighbor for pole beans. The lettuce matures early before excessive bean shade develops. Both vegetables enjoy rich soil and regular watering, making them compatible.

Worst Companion Plants for Pole Beans

While certain plants nourish and protect pole beans, others inhibit their growth or attract bean-loving pests. Here are some of the worst companion plant choices for pole beans:

Onions and Garlic

It’s best to separate your beans and alliums. Onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots release sulfur compounds that can impede bean growth. So keep them in different raised beds or rows.

Sunflowers

Although both are vertically oriented plants, sunflowers and pole beans don’t mix well. Sunflowers emit substances that hinder bean growth. It’s better to trellis beans on corn or other supports.

Fennel

Like other umbellifers, fennel inhibits the growth of bush and pole beans. Something in fennel deters beneficial soil fungi that bean plants rely on. Keep fennel confined to its own space in the garden.

Peppers

Growing pole beans and peppers together is not recommended. Bean vines could potentially overtake your pepper plants, leading to reduced sunlight and yields. Give each some space for best results.

Kale and Cabbage

Beans prefer slightly acidic soil, while brassicas like kale and cabbage thrive in more alkaline conditions. Plus, both require ample space. Keep beans and brassicas separated to prevent stunted growth.

Beets

Earlier we mentioned beets are fine with pole beans. However, bush beans and beets should not be planted together. They are more likely to hinder each other’s development when competing in close quarters.

Tips for Companion Planting with Pole Beans

Follow these tips to maximize the symbiotic effects of companion planting with pole beans:

• Select early-maturing companion plants that won’t compete with beans later on. Radishes and lettuces are good examples.

• Use taller companions as trellises for pole bean vines. Corn and sunflowers work well.

• Interplant quick-growing companions like marigolds throughout the bean patch—don’t just place them around the perimeter.

• Allow plenty of space between plants like peppers and cabbage that don’t make good bean companions.

• Include flower companions like nasturtiums to attract pollinators and beneficial insects.

• Rotate companion plants in the same patch over successive seasons to prevent soil nutrient imbalances.

The Perfect Pole Bean Companion Planting Plan

Here is an example companion planting scheme for a 10×4 foot vegetable bed:

• Row 1: Marigolds, pole beans, marigolds

• Row 2: Lettuce, carrots, beets

• Row 3: Pole beans, corn, pole beans

• Row 4: Radishes, cucumbers, nasturtiums

This plan maximizes pest protection, soil nutrient cycling, and beneficial insect attraction. It also provides good sun and air circulation to each plant. Feel free to customize companion plants to suit your site conditions and favorite veggies.

Enjoy an Abundant Pole Bean Harvest

By selecting the right companion plants, your pole bean vines will thrive in the garden. Not only will you reduce pest problems and increase pollination, but you’ll also improve flavor. Companion planting is an easy way to cultivate a healthy bean crop without using chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Pair pole beans with beets, corn, cucumbers, herbs, and flowers for a bountiful harvest!