How to Use Green Beans in Companion Planting

Green Beans are very helpful companion plants because their roots host bacteria, which enriches the soil with nitrogen. Combining specific groups of plants attracts beneficial insects and birds, protecting your garden from pests.

Beans also provide the added benefit of enriching the earth. Companion planting can yield up to twice as much as individual planting. Green beans are considered to be one of the most effective combination plants.

Plant Your Green Beans

Plant green beans in your herb, flower, fruit or vegetable garden to improve overall plant growth. Some plants do particularly well with green beans, such as spinach, corn, peas, lettuce, eggplant, rosemary, celery carrots, cucumbers, strawberries, potatoes, and dill.

Eggplants are a particularly good companion plant for green beans because they repel Bean Beetles, which can destroy green beans, while green beans deter California Beetles, which can attack eggplants. Green beans will also assist in rotation planting, as the additional nitrogen in the soil will support heavy crops the following year.

Exceptions to the Rule

Green beans should not be planted near plants that do not do well with extra nitrogen, such as tomatoes, green peppers, or chili peppers. They also do not do well near beets, chives, onions, or garlic, as these plants can stunt the bean stalk.