Companion Planting with Runner Beans
Phaseolus coccineus
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Runner beans are a popular vegetable in many gardens, valued for their long, slender pods and attractive flowers. When choosing companion plants for runner beans, consider plants that have similar growing conditions and those that can offer benefits such as pest control, improved soil fertility, or added visual interest. Here are some suggestions for plants to grow with runner beans:
Corn: In the traditional “Three Sisters” planting method, corn provides support for the climbing beans, while the beans fix nitrogen in the soil to benefit the corn.
Squash or pumpkins: These act as a living mulch in the “Three Sisters” planting, shading the soil and helping to retain moisture while deterring pests with their prickly vines.
Sweet peas: These climbing plants produce beautiful, fragrant flowers and can add visual interest when grown alongside runner beans.
Nasturtiums: These colorful, edible flowers can help deter pests like aphids and provide a beautiful contrast with the bean plants.
Marigolds: Marigolds can help repel pests like nematodes and provide a pop of color in your bean planting.
Calendula: Calendula’s bright, cheerful flowers can add visual interest to your garden and may help deter pests.
Borage: This flowering herb can attract beneficial insects like bees and may help improve the flavor of your runner beans.
Lettuce: Planting lettuce around the base of your runner beans can help to shade the soil, conserve moisture, and provide a tasty, leafy green harvest.
Spinach: Like lettuce, spinach can be grown around the base of your runner beans to help shade the soil and provide an additional edible crop.
Herbs: Planting aromatic herbs like basil, dill, or parsley near your runner beans can help to deter pests and provide a delicious, fragrant harvest.
When choosing companion plants for runner beans, make sure to consider factors such as sun exposure, water needs, and soil preferences to ensure the best results. By choosing plants with complementary growth habits, colors, and textures, you can create a visually appealing and productive garden display. Additionally, using companion planting techniques can help to improve soil fertility, deter pests, and attract beneficial insects, promoting a healthier, more bountiful garden.
Now you know What to plant with Runner Beans
