Bush Bean Companion Planting
Phaseolus vulgaris
Legume (Fabaceae) -- warm season
Good Companions for Bush Bean
Bush beans fix atmospheric nitrogen via Rhizobium symbiosis, increasing soil available N for the heavy-feeding eggplant. Bean foliage also acts as living mulch, suppressing weeds and moderating soil temperature.
Plant bush beans between eggplant rows. Both prefer warm soil and full sun.
- Nitrogen fixation by legumes in intercropping systems -- Plant and Soil (1999)
- Intercropping eggplant with legumes for nutrient benefit -- Journal of Sustainable Agriculture (2008)
Bush beans supply nitrogen to nitrogen-demanding potato through biological N fixation. Research trials show 10-15% yield increase in potato when intercropped with bean in low-fertility soils.
Plant bush beans in every other row within the potato bed.
- Intercropping of potato with grain legumes -- European Journal of Agronomy (2005)
- Companion Planting with Potatoes -- Maine Cooperative Extension (2017)
Bush bean nitrogen fixation benefits the fast-growing, nitrogen-demanding mustard greens. Mustard glucosinolates in root exudates provide mild soil biofumigation that may reduce root diseases affecting beans.
Mustard greens mature quickly -- harvest before beans need more space.
- Biofumigation potential of Brassicaceae species -- Plant and Soil (2003)
Bush beans fix nitrogen that supplements corn fertility. While they do not climb corn, they function as a nitrogen-contributing understory. Bush types are easier to manage than pole beans in the intercrop.
Sow bush beans 2-3 weeks after corn to avoid competition during corn establishment.
- Corn-bean-squash intercrop systems: production efficiency and land use -- Agronomy Journal (2003)
- Three Sisters cropping systems -- USDA SARE (2007)
Beans fix nitrogen for the heavy-feeding squash. Squash leaf canopy shades soil, conserving moisture and suppressing weeds. The combined canopy creates a more humid microclimate that benefits both crops.
Third component of the Three Sisters. Allow adequate spacing -- squash vines spread 1.5-3 meters.
- Corn-bean-squash intercrop systems: production efficiency and land use -- Agronomy Journal (2003)
- Three Sisters cropping systems -- USDA SARE (2007)
Bush beans fix atmospheric nitrogen via Rhizobium symbiosis, increasing soil available N for heavy-feeding eggplant. Both crops prefer similar warm conditions.
Plant bush beans between eggplant rows. Both need warm soil -- do not rush spring planting.
- Nitrogen fixation by legumes in intercropping systems -- Plant and Soil (1999)
Bush bean nitrogen fixation benefits the nutrient-demanding celery crop. Celery's shallow root system complements beans' deeper root zone, reducing below-ground competition.
Celery has high N demand -- the legume nitrogen contribution is particularly valuable here.
- Intercropping strategies for vegetable production -- HortTechnology (2011)
Marigold (Tagetes spp.) roots suppress root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) that damage bean root systems. Marigold flowers also attract hover flies and predatory insects.
Interplant French marigolds among bush beans or use marigolds in rotation before beans.
- Suppressive effect of Tagetes spp. on Meloidogyne species -- Nematropica (2000)
Bush bean nitrogen fixation benefits the heavy-feeding okra. Both are warm-season crops. Bean plants provide ground-level biomass that conserves soil moisture.
Plant bush beans between okra rows.
- Nitrogen fixation by legumes in intercropping systems -- Plant and Soil (1999)
Bush bean nitrogen fixation supplements sweet potato fertility. Sweet potato vines act as living mulch, suppressing weeds and conserving moisture for both crops.
Plant bush beans between sweet potato rows early in the season before vines spread.
- Intercropping sweet potato with legumes for improved yield -- Journal of Sustainable Agriculture (2007)
Bush bean nitrogen fixation benefits the nitrogen-demanding Swiss chard, promoting vigorous leaf production. Different root depths minimize competition.
Plant bush beans alongside chard rows. Both tolerate partial shade.
- Intercropping legumes and vegetables for nutrient management -- HortTechnology (2009)
Crops to Avoid Near Bush Bean
Allium root exudates (particularly thiosulfinates) inhibit Rhizobium bacteria in the legume rhizosphere, reducing nitrogen fixation efficiency by 20-40% in field trials.
Applies to all allium-legume combinations. Keep all onion/garlic/leek plantings separate from bean and pea beds.
- Allelopathic effects of Allium species on legume Rhizobium symbiosis -- Plant and Soil (1996)
- Onion root exudates and rhizosphere microbial communities -- Applied Soil Ecology (2004)
Fennel root exudates containing trans-anethole and related monoterpenes suppress bean seed germination and inhibit early seedling growth through allelopathic interference.
Fennel is antagonistic to nearly all vegetables. Grow in isolation.
- Allelopathic potential of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) -- Allelopathy Journal (2007)
Shallot root exudates contain the same thiosulfinates as other alliums that suppress Rhizobium nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume roots.
Same allium-legume antagonism applies to shallots. Keep separated from all legumes.
- Allelopathic effects of Allium species on legume Rhizobium symbiosis -- Plant and Soil (1996)
Garlic chives produce the same organosulfur compounds as other alliums that inhibit Rhizobium nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume root nodules.
Same allium-legume antagonism. Keep garlic chives away from beans and peas.
- Allelopathic effects of Allium species on legume Rhizobium symbiosis -- Plant and Soil (1996)