Beans are an splendid garden crop . They ’re easy to grow , help fix N , and can be enjoy in multiple forms – in their pods , shelled , or dried .

So when you ’re be after an organic garden , it make sense to find the best fellow for these legumes .

We tie in to marketer to help you bump relevant products . If you bribe from one of our connection , we may earn a commission .

A horizontal image of bean plants growing up trellis attached to a brick wall with marigold flowers growing at the base of the vines.

Three sisters planting in permaculture garden.

But what exactly should you take care for in a familiar works ?

It might be soft to bear on to a ready - made chart listing well and poor companions for a given crop , but if those pairings just keep getting handed down as “ traditional ” without being tested or retain up to logical scrutiny , what good are they ?

A better approach is to understand thescientifically back benefit of companion planting , and practice science and a short logical scrutiny to judge different works pairings .

A close up vertical image of beans growing in the garden. To the center and bottom of the frame is green and white printed text.

The question we should ask when considering such pairings is , precisely what welfare is one plant supply for another , if any ?

There can be multiple answers to that question .

near companions might help with the direction of pot , pest , or disease . They might also pull in good insects to help with pollination . Some provide support or shade . And some can provide benefits by conditioning the soil .

A horizontal image of a three sisters planting in a permaculture garden.

An additional reward of companion planting is more effective manipulation of dry land , since different sorts of crops often use different ground resources in depart sum of money . This intend less total place is ordinarily needed for mixed plantings than for two equivalent planting grown in monoculture .

We ’re going to look at 31 plant that form dear partnerships with attic and try out exactly what eccentric of benefit each of these partnerships brings .

We ’ll study these mating and , in many cases , look up to scientific research to see how they play out in trials and studies .

A close up of basil growing in the herb garden pictured in light sunshine.

We ’ll let in research not just on vulgar beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) , but also othertypes of beanssuch as mung , garbanzo , fava , runner , and 1000 - farsighted beans .

In addition to pointing out some of the benefits take in with each matchup , I ’ll recommend some best-loved kind , and offer suggestions for sourcing seed so you could try out these combos in your own garden .

Here ’s a look at our list :

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Italian Genovese’ basil with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

Best Bean Companions

If you have antecedently referred to traditional companion planting chart , you ’ll have intercourse that you typically discover that alliums , brassicas , and sunflower are list as resister to bean , meaning they make poor rather than skillful companion .

So you might be surprised to find those plants name here asgoodcompanions .

But really , there is wad of research to hold up treating these garden plants as booster ( at least in some fate ) rather than enemy . Keep translate to see more .

A close up horizontal image of cabbage growing with bean plants in the background.

1. Basil

The very beneficial companion plants are ones that you ’re excited about having around anyway . And who is n’t mad about havinga fresh supply of homegrown basil ?

When it total to bring home the bacon a helping hand to your bean crop , basil can extend help in reducing pest populations .

Research carried out from 2020 to 2021 in Iranstudied wanderer mite populations in plots of monocropped kidney beans liken to plots intercropped with basil .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Red Acre’ cabbage with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

The front of basil attracted more diverse dirt ball populations , resulting in lower populations of wanderer mites , and higher harvest yields .

Basil can also contribute by repelling sure pestssuch as pea aphids , which can damage these legumes .

‘ Italian Genovese ’ is an heirloom basil cultivar that has large , fragrant leaves , making it handy not just for pest direction , but also for making homemade pesto .

A close up horizontal image of beans growing alongside carrots in the garden.

Italian Genovese Basil Seeds

you may witness constitutional ‘ Italian Genovese ’ basil for purchase in small or enceinte seed packsfrom Botanical Interests .

If you ’ve never grown this fragrant herb from cum , no concern ! you may learn how by readingour article on propagating basil from seeded player .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Shin Kuroda’ carrots with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

2. Cabbage

In many cases , companion planting – or “ intercropping , ” as it ’s look up to in academic and professional cogitation – can lead in near yields .

That was exactly what materialize whenfava beansand cabbage were interplanted , as discover by Sindhuja Shanmugam and fellow worker in theJanuary 2022 way out of Soil Use and Management .

Compared with monocrops of the same vegetable , interplanted force field of favas and cabbage did not deepen the measure of favas produced , but it did increase cabbage yields and allow more effective domain utilisation .

A horizontal image of cauliflower growing in the garden.

Ina unlike subject area from 2001 , yard - long attic were also launch to increase the efficiency of land use when intercropped with cabbage .

While these two studies do n’t imply thatalltypes of beans and brassicas form good partnership inallsituations , this evidence contradicts usually mention traditional knowledge that describes these two type of crops as opponent .

Ready to essay it out for yourself ?

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Snowball Y’ cauliflower with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

‘ Red Acre ’ is an splendid cultivar of red cabbage forsmall garden , mature in 75 to 100 days .

Red Acre Organic Cabbage germ

constitutional ‘ Red Acre ’ loot is useable to buy in packs of 360 seedsat Botanical Interests .

A close up horizontal image of a ladybug feeding from a cilantro flower pictured on a soft focus background.

memorize to grow cabbage in our guide .

3. Carrots

Another efficient growing combination is to partner carrot with fava bonce .

cultivated carrot portion out space nicely with edible bean , since Daucus carota sativa put on most of their wad underground , while your legume crop is fussy producing its pods above reason .

‘ Shin Kuroda ’ is a motley of carrot thatholds up to ignite without bolting , farm tapered roots that produce well in heavy soil , helping to preventdeformed cultivated carrot roots .

A close up square image of freshly picked cilantro in a small glass bowl.

‘ Shin Kuroda ’ Carrot Seeds

You ’ll witness ‘ Shin Kuroda ’ Daucus carota sativa for leverage in packs of 510 seedsat Botanical Interests .

want tobrush up on your Daucus carota sativa raise skills ? We can help you with that in our guide .

A close up of crimson clover growing as a cover crop in the garden.

4. Cauliflower

Another member of the brassica family , cauliflower can be a good spouse for green bean crop in the garden .

A report conducted in 2002 and 2003found these two vegetable produced a greater yield when grown together as opposed to being produce in separate plot .

In this conjugation , the Brassica oleracea botrytis win from the nitrogen - fixing place of its leguminous companion .

A close up of a seed packet of crimson clover with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

‘ Snowball Y ’ is a cauliflower cultivar that senesce in 70 to 80 days , producing dull six- to six - and - a - half - inch headway .

‘ Snowball Y ’ Cauliflower Seeds

you could buy ‘ Snowball Y ’ in packs of 180 seedsfrom Botanical Interests .

A close up of collard greens growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine.

If you need steering ongrowing Brassica oleracea botrytis , you’re able to ascertain hint in our clause .

6. Cilantro

For those who love the taste and sense of smell of this fragrant herb , cilantro make an excellent all - aim garden companion . ( For those who do n’t , please sense free to skip to the next choice ! )

With its flat , umbel - shaped florescence , it ’s a magnet forbeneficial insects such as ladybugs , parasitoid wasps , and hoverflies .

Luring in good insect with insectary plants such as Chinese parsley will help keep blighter populations in hitch on your bean harvest – just make certain you let it flower rather than cutting back buds before blossoming , as its inflorescences will be the main attracter .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Georgia Southern’ collard greens with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

‘ leisure time ’ is acilantro varietythat is well - conform to hot season , making it a good choice for those of us whoseUSDA Hardiness Zone maintain shifting .

‘ Leisure ’ Cilantro Seeds

You ’ll find ‘ leisure time ’ cilantro seeds for leverage in an categorization of packet sizesat Eden Brothers .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘True Gold’ sweet corn with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

desire some gratuity on growing this annual herb?Check out our article on grow cilantro .

7. Clover

Like beans , trefoil is also a leguminous N mender .

But this leguminous plant can offer the extra benefit ofcreating a living mulchto prevent green goddess rival , vaporisation , and soil eroding .

There are many different types of trefoil that can be used as garden partner – crimson clover is one that is peculiarly valuable , with nectar - richblossoms that will draw in pollinators .

A close up horizontal image of a larval hoverfly feeding on an aphid on the underside of a leaf.

And after try deep red clover once , you might want to keep using it over and over again .

Crimson Clover seminal fluid

You ’ll find ruby clover seeds for purchase in packs of 40 gramsat Botanical Interests .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Sensation’ blend cosmos with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

8. Collard Greens

I love it when fantabulous garden pairings also find to be recherche when prepare up together – and such is the case with collard cat valium and wry bean .

It ’s toilsome to beat the classical vegetarian combo of dried beans , Timothy Miles Bindon Rice , and greens – unless of class you throw in a smidgeon ofhomegrown chili capsicum !

But before you ’re quick to start cook , you ’ll probably want to develop them yourself , since homegrown tastes so much better . That ’s what we ’re all here for , right ?

A horizontal image of a vegetable garden growing a variety of different crops.

In the garden , intercropping collard greens with beans can increase the take of both crops , reducing the amount of terra firma needed to produce the same amount of food for thought .

‘ Georgia Southern ’ is an heirloom collard cultivar that ’s well - adjust to the hotness of the southeast United States , producing mature leaves in 50 to 80 day .

‘ Georgia Southern ’ Collard source

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Bouquet’ dill with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

require to give ‘ Georgia Southern ’ collard green a effort ? you’re able to purchase camp of 580 seedsfrom Botanical Interests .

Learn how to rise these classic southerly leafy Green River inour guide to growing collards .

9. Corn

Some garden companions provide structure or accompaniment , and that ’s what clavus can provide for pole attic .

In the traditional Native American companion planting combination know as “ the three sisters , ” corn is inseminate first to let it get a head start , then vining bean are planted at the foundation of the minor corn stalks and allowed to climb them in lieu of a treillage .

The corn benefits from this pairing as well since , as a heavy user of nitrogen , it will glean the benefits of surplus nitrogen in the soil provided by its leguminous neighbour .

A close up horizontal image of fennel growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

This combination is peculiarly favorable forsweet cornwhen fava beans , as non - vining legumes , are used in the pairing .

As Jessica Walliser explains in her companion planting Word , “ Plant Partners , ” favas are a N - fix powerhouse , which – when sownaheadof honeyed corn whisky – do a peculiarly good job of sharing their nitrogen .

Be sure tocheck out our review of “ Plant Partners ” by Jessica Walliser . Walliser ’s Word of God is a must - have reference on the field of companion planting !

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Finochio’ fennel with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

‘ True Gold ’ is an open - pollinatedcultivar of cherubic cornthat grow seven to nine feet tall and make a crop of sweet , tender , eight- to nine - inch ears that senesce in 70 to 80 Clarence Day .

‘ True Gold Sweet Corn Seeds

You ’ll find organic ‘ True Gold ’ sweet edible corn for leverage in face pack of 45 seedsat Botanical Interests .

A close up of a hand from the right of the frame holding a fenugreek flower pictured on a soft focus background.

And if you ’re look for more musical theme onbuddies to grow with corn , you ’ll find nine recommendation in our article .

10. Cosmos

Cosmos flowers are another superb all - purpose companion that will help your garden vegetable live long – and flourish .

These beautiful annual heyday will institute all sorts of good insects calling to forage from their prime – such as hoverflies , insects that are cleverly disguised to look like bees .

If you provide intellectual nourishment for Mom and Dad Hoverfly in the descriptor of heyday nectar , their baby ( okay , call them larvae , if you choose ) can make a fiesta of noggin pests such asaphidsandthrips .

A close up of a gardener pulling a large garlic bulb out of the garden.

Just be trusted to choose cultivars with simple flowers rather than doubles to make life comfortable for chat beneficials . You ’ll finda delightful selection of cosmos cultivars to choose from in our clause .

One of the most unwashed ( but no less enchanting ) cosmos cultivar usable is ‘ Sensation , ’ usually offered as a blend of people of color in white , pink , ascend , and Battle of Magenta .

‘ aesthesis ’ grows to be three to six feet tall and bears mere flowers that are three to four inches wide-cut .

A close up of an elephant garlic bulb isolated on a white background.

‘ Sensation ’ Blend Cosmos Seeds

‘ Sensation ’ blend cosmos is available for purchase in ingroup of 36 organic seeds , or 128 schematic seedsat Botanical Interests .

Get tips ongrowing beautiful cosmos flowers in our clause .

A close up vertical image of kale growing with runner beans in the vegetable garden.

11. Dill

And while you ’re make a collection of insectary works to pull good insects and pollinators , discombobulate some dill seminal fluid into the mix too .

With wide , umbel - shaped flowers , dill offers thoroughgoing landing pads for wasps , which will assist slant the balance in your garden towards the positive through pollination and pesterer predation .

This combo will also benefit the dill weed .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Dazzling Blue’ kale with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

When intercropped with attic , dill ’s indispensable oil are increased , piss the plant more fragrant .

‘ Bouquet ’ is an ahead of time - blooming Anethum graveolens variety , think it can provide a reservoir of fountain forage for garden visitors that go far on six leg and two duad of wings .

And once your dill weed crop has gone to seed , you’re able to use the cum heads to flavor pickles made fromhomegrown Cucumis sativus – or save the seeds to sow next twelvemonth .

A close up horizontal image of the purple flower of lacy phacelia growing in the garden.

‘ Bouquet ’ Dill Seeds

you may find organic ‘ Bouquet ’ dill weed cum for purchase in three - gram packsat Botanical Interests .

To learn about additionalgarden companions for Anethum graveolens , understand our clause .

Article image

12. Fennel

If fellow traveller plant with fragrant herb sounds like just what you had in mind for your garden plan , dill ’s garden lookalike , fennel , also makes an excellent pairing . It can be enjoyed for both its fragrant leave and its tasty “ lightbulb . ”

In a Brazilian trial from 2011 , growing fennel with cowpeas andP. vulgarisresulted in both an increment in yield and in land efficiency .

And what ’s more , the essential oil content of the fennel was increase thanks to its leguminous neighbor , make this herb even more flavorful .

A close up vertical image of leeks growing in the vegetable patch.

‘ Finocchio ’ fennel bring forth succulent three- to four - column inch bulbs , with plants reaching two to four feet tall .

‘ Finocchio ’ Fennel Seeds

You ’ll observe ‘ Finocchio ’ Florence fennel in packs of 120 seedsat Botanical Interests .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘King Richard’ leeks with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

Are you raw to uprise this veggie masquerade as an herb ? Learnhow to develop tasty fennel bulbs with the help of our guide .

12. Fenugreek

Most often used culinarily for its fragrant seeds , which are ground or used whole as a spice , in the garden fenugreek can provide pest control service for your beans .

When experiments from 2012 to 2014 in Egypt used fenugreek as a industrial plant cooperator for fava bean , populations of black leguminous plant aphids were “ significantly reduced . ”

Fenugreek may seem like an unusual choice to maturate in the garden if it ’s not already a conversant part of your repertoire , but it ’s not operose to grow from seed .

A close up vertical image of lettuce growing in a polyculture garden.

Fenugreek Seeds

you could purchase organic fenugreek seeds in an miscellany of package sizesfrom True Leaf Market .

Learneverything you need to know about growing Trigonella foenumgraecum correctly here .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Ice Queen’ lettuce with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

13. Garlic

As an allium , you might be surprised to find garlic list as a good neighbor for this legume harvest , since most fellow traveller planting charts list alliums and beans as opposer .

However , rather than repeating traditional familiar planting lore without checking the validness behind it , let ’s attend at what the science says .

In a composition bring out by Khatere Mohammadi and colleague in the January 2021 effect ofExperimental and Applied Acarology , or the study of mites and check mark , the compounding of green noggin and garlic reduced population of wanderer mite by attract pest predators and increase overall insect biodiversity .

A horizontal image of marigolds growing in the vegetable patch.

But that was n’t the only advantage – this pairing also resulted in more efficient land use compare to monocropped plantings of the same veggies .

‘ Elephant ’ is atype of garlicthat grows to mammoth proportions , reach four to five foot marvelous , and producing one to six supersized clove per electric light that have a soft flavor .

‘ Elephant ’ Garlic Bulb

A close up square image of ‘Court Jester’ French marigolds growing in the garden.

you may purchase ‘ Elephant ’ garlic bulbs for plantingat Botanical Interests .

Get more melodic theme forgood neighbor to acquire side by side with Allium sativum in our clause .

And if youneed growing tips , you ’ll detect those here .

A close up horizontal image of mustard greens growing in the garden.

14. Kale

As a nitrogen - thirsty leafy super acid , kale will profit from being grown with nitrogen - sterilize legumes like dome .

But that ’s not the only advantage – this mating can also help with weed direction .

compare to growing these two veggies in separate plots , an intercropped plot of kale and beanstested in Kenya in 1993 and 1994resulted in less redroot wild spinach ( Amaranthus retroflexus ) , a pestering pot that can be debatable on farms and in gardens .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Red Giant’ mustards with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

This intercropped pairing also provided more effective land use . ( Are you notice a pattern yet ? )

‘ blazing blue sky ’ is a cultivar oflacinato kalethat has first-class cold lustiness and reaches two to four feet tall . blue - green leaves with imperial midribs are quick to harvest in 30 to 60 solar day .

‘ Dazzling Blue ’ Kale Seeds

A close up horizontal image of nasturtiums growing in the garden.

You ’ll notice ‘ bedazzle Blue ’ kale for leverage in large number of 150 seedsat Botanical Interests .

And if you desire toexplore more kale plant life sidekick , be certain to read our clause .

find out to grow kale in our guide .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Jewel’ Blend nasturtiums with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

16. Lacy Phacelia

unremarkably know as “ lacy Scorpio weed ” or “ lacy phacelia,”Phacelia tanacetifoliais a relative ofborageandcomfreythat is often used in constitutional gardening as acover cropor green manure .

Lacy scorpion weed is awildflowernative to southwestern North America , and is a big hit with pollinators .

Ina bailiwick conducted during 2008 and 2009 in Poland , lacy scorpionweed was grown with favas to canvas the impression of hoverflies on aphid populations .

A close up horizontal image of onions growing with beans in a mixed planting.

Pairing this blossom with the leguminous plant harvest brought about an step-up in hoverflies ( also known as syrphid fly front ) , which reduced the bearing of aphids and lessen damage because of aphids .

Lacy phacelia is a drought - tolerant and fast - growing annual that germinates best when grunge temperature are between 40 and 68 ° fluorine .

Lacy Phacelia Seeds

A close up of a seed packet of ‘White Lisbon’ bunching onions with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

You ’ll find lacy phacelia for purchase in packets weigh 410 milligramsfrom seminal fluid of Change via Amazon .

17. Leeks

Allium such as scallion are oft recommend as all - purpose comrade plants because the strong smell of their foliation may waylay some pests .

Astudy conducted in 2009 in Sri Lankainterplanted common beans with scallion to study the disgusting property of these alliums on bean flies ( Ophiomyia phaseoli ) , a eccentric ofroot maggotthat can target legume crop .

The researchers found the leeks had a positive effect on the overall yield , reducing works death from bean fly infestation during both dry and wet growing seasons .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Turga’ parsnips with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

‘ King Richard ’ is a leek variety that will ripen in 75 days , produce extra - long snowy department , the prized part of this genus Allium crop .

‘ King Richard ’ Leek Seeds

You ’ll find ‘ King Richard ’ seedsavailable from Botanical Interests .

A close up square image of a pile of ‘Princess Laratte’ potatoes in a white bowl.

young to get leek from seed?Learn to propagate and originate leeks in our guide .

18. Lettuce

As fleshy self-feeder , lettuce crops will take advantage of the excess nitrogen provide by a pairing with beans .

And this jazz group also relieve oneself more efficient use of grow space . A flying field tryout conducted from 2009 through 2010 in Serbia tested intercropping green beans withradishesand lettuce .

The intercropped veggies sack a higher production than those grown as a monoculture .

A close up of large pumpkin vines growing in the garden.

There ’s also another path you’re able to take vantage of this pairing – tryplanting tall favasortrellised pole beansto the south of your lettuce craw to protract your lettuce grow time of year .

Arranged this room , the legumes will render tad to avail the clams remain cool and delay bolting during the blackguard days of summertime .

‘ Ice Queen ’ is an heirloomvariety of lettucethat holds up well to heat . Also live as ‘ Reine des Glaces ’ this laconic and refreshing cultivar turn over matureness in 62 days .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Red Warty Thing’ pumpkins with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

‘ Ice Queen ’ Lettuce Seeds

You ’ll find oneself ‘ Ice Queen ’ seeded player for purchase in plurality of 680 seedsat Botanical Interests .

Learn to acquire wampum in our scout .

A close up vertical image of sesame growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

19. Marigolds

marigold are a commonly cited all - purpose garden fellow traveller , particularly incontrolling root - knot nematode infestation .

But this frequently grown garden bloom excels at help to manage other pestis as well .

Afield study conduct in Thailand in 2018tested interplanting yard - retentive dome with marigolds . In the sketch , the front of marigolds increase worm biodiversity , which in turn scale down the phone number of cowpea aphid present on the legume crop .

A close up of rows of strawberries growing in the garden surrounded by straw mulch.

While allmarigold cultivarswillattractbeneficial insects , those with bare ( rather than double ) flowers will do the best job of actually providing them with forage .

‘ Court Jester ’ is a marigold variety with round-eyed flowers and a sensational pattern – its petals are rifle burgundy and Au . This heirloom cultivar grows to 20 inches grandiloquent .

‘ Court Jester ’ Marigolds

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Wonder’ blend strawberries with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

You ’ll incur ‘ Court Jester ’ marigold seeds for purchase in an array of package sizesat Eden Brothers .

These annual efflorescence really do make great garden buddies – get word to grow marigolds in our templet .

20. Mustard

table mustard greens are leafy , cruciferous vegetableswith a savory flavor that can be let in in your garden rotary motion in place of or in gain to kale , bok choy , and collards .

And like the other brassicas cite here , mustard greens Green also make a good pairing with bean .

Astudy from 1980 to 1982 in Indiaexamined intercropping chickpea beans ( also known as Egyptian pea ) with mustard greens .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Costata Romanesco’ summer squash with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

The researchers involved in this study find that intercropped plots performed better than those grown alone – and they performed best when grown at a rate of one mustard flora for every twochickpea industrial plant .

There are manydifferent types of mustard greens – my personal favorite is ‘ Red Giant , ’ a cultivar that is as gorgeous as it is tasty .

This mustard grows up to two feet tall , with large , maroon leaves ready to harvest in 40 daylight .

A horizontal image of sunflowers growing in the backyard pictured in bright sunshine.

‘ Red Giant ’ Mustard seed

‘ Red Giant ’ mustard is usable for leverage in packs of 670 seedsat Botanical Interests .

Learn Indian mustard greenness in our article .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Mammoth’ sunflowers with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

20. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums , a short - lived , flowering perennial typically grow as an yearbook , can benefit your bean craw in a couple of unlike ways .

Their circulate increment wont can serve as a living mulch around noggin plants , helping to keep weeds at bay and forbid soil erosion .

But nasturtium flower also do an excellent job of draw in pollinator .

A close up horizontal image of beneficial insects foraging from sweet alyssum flowers.

Bees like crawling inside their big blooms – and while stopping at your nasturtiums , they may then head over to visit your bean crop as well .

Although these legume are self - pollinating , bees can help to improve pollination rate .

Plus , since nasturtiums can develop in part shade , they wo n’t mind being somewhat fill in by your bean crop .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Oriental Nights’ sweet alyssum with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

And pollinators are n’t the only ones who can make a repast out of these yearbook – the flowers and leaves are eatable and make great addition to summertime salad .

‘ Jewel ’ blend is a colorfulnasturtium varietywith cream , yellow , orangish , and red flowers . This cultivar is low - grow , reaching 10 to 12 inch magniloquent .

‘ Jewel ’ Blend Nasturtium Seeds

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Celebration’ Swiss chard with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

You ’ll find ‘ Jewel ’ blend genus Nasturtium for leverage in pack of 19 seedsat Botanical Interests .

Learn to grow nasturtiums in our pathfinder .

21. Onions

Sometimes , when consider the advantages of a certain familiar combination , you have to see if the pros overbalance the cons .

Such may be the showcase with onion plant and beans .

Ina 2015 study conducted in Ontario , Canada , beans and onions were turn together to canvass the impression of intercropping on lamb’s - one-quarter and amaranth , two common garden and farm weeds .

A horizontal image of tomatoes planted with beans in the backyard vegetable patch.

In the study , full output were equate between intercropped fields and monocropped subject . While the onion in the intercropped position get a maturation boost , the performance of the beans was slightly cut .

However , overall land use efficiency was nonetheless increased – and easily yet , there were five time less smoke in the fellow traveller imbed plot of ground .

So , if Mary Jane direction is a antecedency ( and how could it not be ? ) , it might be deserving the tradeoff of a slight reduction in yield in some circumstances .

A close up of a seed packet of ‘Glacier’ tomatoes with text to the left of the frame and a hand-drawn illustration to the right.

‘ White Lisbon ’ is an heirloom variety of bundle onion that dates back to the 1700s . Thisonion cultivaris harvested as a spring onion , about 60 days after sowing .

‘ White Lisbon ’ Bunching Onion Seed

you’re able to purchase ‘ White Lisbon ’ in packs of 300 conventional or 200 constitutive seedsat Botanical Interests .

Check outour guide to learn more about growing bunch Allium cepa .

22. Parsnips

Like carrot , parsnip have extensive underground maturation while bean bring about their harvesting above ground , think these two vegetables partake in space nicely in a garden plot .

And when parsnip are planted as a neighbor , they will gain from the nitrogen - fixing capacity of the legume harvest .

‘ Turga ’ is a type of heirloom parsnip that produces fragrant , tasty solution . It will attain maturity in 100 to 110 twenty-four hour period .

‘ Turga ’ Parsnip Seeds

You ’ll find organic ‘ Turga ’ parsnip for purchase in camp of 170 seedsat Botanical Interests .

discover more fittingplant companions for parsnips in our article . Learn these tasty ancestor crops here .

23. Potatoes

Potato foliage can help cover the ground , acting as a living mulch , while beans will propose some of the nitrogen that potatoes require for optimum development in exchange .

‘ Princess Laratte ’ is an heirloom Gallic Solanum tuberosum cultivar more commonly known in its country of descent as ‘ La Ratte . ’

A fingerling potato with a lovely , nutty savor and a firm , smooth texture , ‘ Princess Laratte ’ requires 90 to 100 Clarence Day to reach maturity .

‘ Princess Laratte ’ Potato Tubers

You ’ll find ‘ Princess Laratte ’ for leverage in packs of ten tubersat Burpee .

See our guide formore entropy about grow tater .

24. Pumpkins

Along with Zea mays and beans , pumpkinsor othertypes of wintertime squashmake up the third member of the “ three sisters ” triumvirate mentioned earlier .

While corn provide living for beans to climb on , pumpkins create a sea of thorny vine that act as as a priming coat cover and serve keep gadfly like racoon at bay .

But you might wonder if this partnership has any effect on overall yield ?

In the February 2015 proceeds of theJournal of Sustainable Agriculture and Production Science , Parastoo Moradi and colleagues compare return of pinto noodle , pumpkins , and Zea mays produce alone , in pairs , or as a trio .

institute all three together provided the overall harvest with the highest quantity and quality .

‘ Red Warty Thing ’ is a pumpkin that has a dark orange , bumpy rind enclosing delicious , suave - textured physical body .

This variety requires 110 days to attain due date , bring forth one or two pumpkins per vine that consider in at 10 to 20 Egyptian pound each .

‘ Red Warty Thing ’ Pumpkin Seeds

You ’ll find ‘ Red Warty Thing ’ pumpkin seminal fluid for leverage in packs of eightat Botanical Interests .

Discover more companions for pumpkins in this pathfinder .

25. Sesame

For gardeners uncoerced to try on strange planting in their garden , sesame can also make a good pardner .

Professor Alireza Koocheki and colleagues at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in Iran published a paper in the February 2017 upshot of theIranian Journal of Pulses Research , detailing their research on interplanted crops of benny and green gram beans .

This test tested companion planting as an choice to chemical sens suppression .

These investigator found intercropping to be an effective weed management alternative since the two plant practice unlike niches , taking away resources from weeds that would otherwise have been able-bodied to get a good beachhead in a monocropped planting .

Since benni is a drought - tolerant harvest , you might try choosing a more drought - patient of leguminous plant to grow with it , such asblack - eyed peasor mung bean .

Sesame Seeds

you’re able to purchase sesame in packs of 500 seedsfrom Burpee .

get word everything you ’ll require to experience about this semen craw inour guidebook to growing benni .

26. Strawberries

If you have a mixed bottom with both annuals and perennials , you might look at creating a conjugation with strawberry . The low - develop and spreading form of strawberry mark flora can act as a ground cover for bean .

But strawberries will also profit from this partnership .

In afield experiment attempt from 2017 to 2019 in Assiut , Egypt , strawberries get with fava beans produced yields just as high as monocropped strawberries .

However , the intercropped plot provided strawberries with the highest level of anthocyanins , a compound which may confabulate wellness benefits .

Since strawberry tend to be lower - growing than most bean , check the estimated mature heights of both partners and be certain to order your planting so the taller crop does n’t block sunlight from the unforesightful one .

Strawberries are often grow from transplants but they can also be propagated from germ , which can pop the question a more economical access to growing this fruit .

‘ Red and Yellow Wonder ’ is astrawberry cultivarunlike any you will ascertain in the supermarket !

These midget fruit have an intense flavor that is judgment - boggling . Plants grow eight to 10 inches tall and wide , and farm flavorful strawberries that are one inch long .

‘ Red and Yellow Wonder ’ Strawberry Seeds

You ’ll regain ‘ Red and Yellow Wonder ’ hemangioma simplex for leverage in packs of 130 seedsat Botanical Interests .

See our guide tolearn more about grow strawberry .

27. Summer Squash

Various types of summertime squash also make good partners for bean .

The same study just mentioned also testedgrowing zucchiniwith favas and determine increased issue for both of these crop in intercropped fields .

This also greatly increased land use efficiency .

But it ’s not only favas that act in this partnership . examine ina run in Madaba , Jordanin 2007 , cultivars ofP. vulgarisintercropped with squash racquets also had increase yields for both mate .

‘ Costata Romanesco ’ is a stellar summer squash selection .

Producing a crop in 52 to 60 days , the fruit of this cultivar are ridge with idle green stripes on dark desktop and remain sore at up to 18 inches long . It ’s one of my favorite heirloomsummer squash assortment .

‘ Costata Romanesco ’ Summer Squash Seeds

You ’ll notice ‘ Costata Romanesco ’ summer squash for purchase in pack of seven seedsat Botanical Interests .

take summer mash in our clause .

28. Sunflowers

The helianthus is often - quote as a generally bad familiar flora , since it produces allelopathic compounds that can inhibit the growing of neighboring plants .

But likeblack walnut tree , its allelopathic effects have some exceptions , and this flower can be grow successfully side by side with beans .

Ina study undertaken in 2012 to 2013 in Naghadeh , Iran , favas and sunflowers were intercropped , result in more efficient country use and higher seed output for both crops .

Since these members of the aster family grow to be so tall , be certain to sow in helianthus seeds to the north of your bean craw so that the legumes , which require full Dominicus , do n’t receive too much shade .

‘ Mammoth ’ is asunflower cultivarthat get hold of six to 12 feet tall and produces flowers that are 10 to 12 in across . ‘ Mammoth ’ produce pollinator - well-disposed simple flowers with lily-livered petals and brownish centers .

‘ gigantic ’ Sunflower Seeds

You ’ll see ‘ Mammoth ’ helianthus seed for leverage in eight - gram packsfrom Botanical Interests .

Never grown helianthus before ? No job , we can head you through the unconscious process ! Justread our article on planting and develop sensational helianthus .

29. Sweet Alyssum

angelical alyssum is a flower yearly that can do double - responsibility when used as a plant pal .

With its low , dense , and propagate growth drug abuse , it will make a beautiful ground cover below your bonce plants , assist to prevent weeds from invading and soil from wear away .

But seraphic alyssum ’s pocket-sized flowers will also attract good insects , total to your pest management armoury .

The petite blossom of angelical madwort are easy on the oculus too , make a adorable carpet of color .

One of my favorite variety of sweet alyssum is ‘ Oriental Nights , ’ a low - growing mixture with tiny majestic bloom .

‘ Oriental Nights ’ Sweet Alyssum

You ’ll find ‘ Oriental Nights ’ sweet alyssum for purchase in inner circle of 500 seedsat Botanical Interests .

If you ’ve never grown sweet alyssum from germ before , why not give it a try ? It ’s quite well-heeled . you may con sweet-flavored genus Alyssum in our clause .

30. Swiss Chard

Leafy putting green like Swiss chard make splendid neighborsfor bean plant .

Grown for its leafage , Swiss chard appreciates the special stocks of nitrogen supplied by the bearing of legume crop .

And in restoration for the gift of atomic number 7 , Swiss chard can put up pest controller help by breaking up monocrops , take in it harder for bean pestilence to detect their favorite foods .

With stems in red , yellow , pink , orange and white , ‘ Celebration ’ is aSwiss chard varietythat look like a company . ‘ Celebration ’ strive adulthood in 55 day .

‘ festivity ’ Swiss Chard seminal fluid

You ’ll find ‘ Celebration ’ Swiss chard for purchase in packs of 43 seedsat Botanical Interests .

Learn to grow Swiss chard in our guide .

31. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another warm - season veggie that marries well with beans , and can reduce the presence of potato leafhopper , a blighter that can do burn - like injuries in your legume craw .

And while tomatoes may offer pestis protection , in deliver their nitrogen - mend buddies contribute nutrients to the stain and can imprint a earth covering fire to help oneself prevent disease - causing being from splashing onto tomato foliage .

‘ Glacier ’ is a Solanum tuberosum - allow for tomato cultivar that is a dearie in my household . It ripen betimes , make it great for gardener with short arise seasons , and its fruits are extremely tasty .

‘ Glacier ’ Tomato Seeds

‘ Glacier ’ is uncommitted for leverage in packs of 30 seedsat Botanical Interests .

you’re able to hear abouthow to grow tomatoes in our clause .

Beneficial Buddies Bring Bountiful Beans

You now have a wide selection of bean companion plant to choose from .

These buddies will help you develop giving crop by attracting pollinator , controlling pests , keeping weeds at bay , offering structural support , increase fruit , and making a more efficient role of your gardening space .

And if you ’d like to keepcultivating your leguminous plant technique , we have more interpretation for you right here :

© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more detail . Product photograph via Botanical Interests , Burpee , Eden Brothers , Seeds of Change , and True Leaf Market . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .

About

Kristina Hicks - Hamblin