10 Best (and 5 Worst) Companion Plants for Runner Beans

To me, gardening is about more than just sowing seeds; it’s about getting to know how different plants work together. I always use companion planting to enhance the health and output of my garden.

Selecting the best Runner Beans companion plants is key to a productive garden. Knowing what to plant next to Runner Beans and what to plant between Runner Beans can protect your crops from pests and diseases. Consider plants that protect Runner Beans to maintain a healthy and thriving garden.

What is Companion Planting?

Best Companion Plants For Runner Beans

I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know about companion planting. From personal experience, I’ve seen how it can boost garden health and productivity, and I can’t wait to share these secrets with you

1. Sweet corn

   I’ve found that planting Runner Beans next to Sweet corn has been a great companion planting strategy. The Runner Beans help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the Sweet corn by providing it with a nutrient boost. Additionally, the tall and climbing nature of the Runner Beans provides shade and support for the Sweet corn, preventing it from being overshadowed by other plants. Overall, I’ve had great success with this combination in my garden.

2. Marigolds

   Over the years I have found that planting marigolds with runner beans has been incredibly beneficial. I have noticed that the marigolds attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help to control pests that can damage the runner beans. Additionally, the marigolds also act as a natural deterrent for nematodes, which can harm the roots of the runner beans. Overall, I have seen a significant improvement in the health and productivity of my runner beans when planted with marigolds.

3. Nasturtiums

   I first learned about using Nasturtiums as a companion plant for Runner Beans from an old farmer. I have personally experienced how Nasturtiums support Runner Beans by attracting beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which help with pollination. Additionally, Nasturtiums act as a natural pest repellent, deterring harmful insects from attacking the Runner Beans. Lastly, Nasturtiums provide ground cover, reducing weed growth and conserving moisture for the Runner Beans.

4. Potatoes

   Over time I figured out through trial and error that planting runner beans alongside potatoes is a great idea. I noticed that the runner beans help to deter pests that commonly attack potatoes, such as aphids and Colorado potato beetles. Additionally, the nitrogen-fixing ability of runner beans enriches the soil with nitrogen, which is essential for the healthy development of potatoes.

5. Cucumbers

   This is a pretty common pairing! I’ve found that planting runner beans near cucumbers has been a great way to support my cucumber plants. The runner beans act as a natural trellis, providing a sturdy structure for the cucumber vines to climb on. Plus, the beans help to attract beneficial insects that can help pollinate the cucumber flowers, leading to better fruit production.

6. Radishes

   This one comes from the book Carrots love Tomatoes, and I can tell you from personal experience that runner beans make great companions for radishes. I’ve found that the tall, climbing nature of the runner beans provides shade for the radishes, helping to keep them cool and preventing them from bolting in hot weather. Plus, the beans also help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the radishes and helps them grow strong and healthy. Overall, I’ve had great success planting these two together in my garden.

7. Carrots

   This was a tip from a reader: I have found that planting Runner Beans by my Carrots has been a great companion planting strategy in my garden. The nitrogen-fixing properties of the Runner Beans help enrich the soil, benefiting the Carrots and promoting their healthy growth.

8. Lettuce

   I’ve found that planting runner beans close to lettuce has been a great companion for my lettuce plants. The nitrogen-fixing properties of runner beans enrich the soil, providing essential nutrients for the lettuce to thrive. Overall, I’ve noticed that this combination has resulted in healthier and more abundant lettuce harvests.

9. Spinach

   Another tip is to plant Runner Beans next to Spinach. I have found that Runner Beans provide shade for the Spinach, helping to keep it cool and prevent it from bolting in hot weather. Additionally, the nitrogen-fixing properties of the Runner Beans help to enrich the soil, providing the Spinach with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

10. Summer savory

    I’ve found that Summer savory is a great companion plant for Runner Beans. It helps deter pests like aphids and bean beetles, keeping my beans healthy and thriving. Additionally, the strong aroma of Summer savory masks the scent of the beans, making it harder for pests to locate them. Overall, I’ve had great success pairing these two plants together in my garden.

What Not To Plant With Runner Beans

Just like there are plants that play well together, there are others that don’t get along. Here are some plants that you’re going to want to avoid putting into close proximity to each other. Most of these aren’t the end of the world if it happens, we only have so much garden space after all, but where it makes sense, keep these in mind.

1. Onions

   I learned this the hard way – planting Runner Beans next to Onions can negatively impact the growth of the onions. The beans tend to overshadow the onions, blocking their access to sunlight and stunting their growth.

2. Garlic

   This one came from my neighbor, and I’ve noticed that the Runner Beans negatively impact the Garlic. They seem to compete for nutrients and space, resulting in stunted growth for both plants.

3. Shallots

   This also came from Carrots Love Tomatoes. Runner beans negatively impact shallots because they release chemicals that inhibit the growth of shallots.

4. Chives

   Another one I’ve heard around is that chives negatively impact runner beans by attracting aphids, which can damage the beans.

5. Leeks

   I’ve heard mixed things on this but runner beans can negatively impact leeks by competing for nutrients and water in the soil. This can result in stunted growth and reduced yield for the leeks.

What Should You Plant Near Runner Beans

In addition to the list below, there are some common plants you likely already have in your garden that I thought you might want to know. These veggies make up much of my garden, so here is what you need to know about companion planting them with Runner Beans.

Lettuce and Runner Beans Companion Planting

Runner beans are a good companion plant for lettuce in a vegetable garden. They help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the lettuce by providing it with essential nutrients. Additionally, the tall vines of the runner beans can provide shade for the lettuce, helping to keep it cool during the hot summer months.

Carrots and Runner Beans Companion Planting

Runner beans are a good companion plant for carrots. The nitrogen-fixing properties of the Runner Beans help enrich the soil, benefiting the Carrots and promoting their healthy growth.

Tomatoes and Runner Beans Companion Planting

Runner Beans are a good companion plant for Tomatoes in a vegetable garden. They help improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, which benefits the tomatoes. Additionally, the tall vines of the runner beans can provide shade for the tomato plants, helping to protect them from excessive heat.

Cucumbers and Runner Beans Companion Planting

Runner beans are a good companion plant for cucumbers in a vegetable garden. They are beneficial because they help to improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, which is essential for healthy cucumber growth. Additionally, the tall vines of runner beans can provide shade for the cucumber plants, helping to keep them cool during hot summer days.

Zucchini and Runner Beans Companion Planting

Runner beans are a good companion plant for zucchini in a vegetable garden. They help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the zucchini plants. Additionally, the tall vines of the runner beans can provide shade for the zucchini, which can help to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.

Peppers and Runner Beans Companion Planting

Runner beans are a good companion plant for peppers in a vegetable garden. They help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for the growth of peppers. Additionally, the tall vines of runner beans can provide shade for the pepper plants during hot summer days.

Peas and Runner Beans Companion Planting

Runner beans are a good companion plant for peas in a vegetable garden. They both belong to the legume family and can benefit from each other’s presence. Runner beans help fix nitrogen in the soil, which is beneficial for the growth of peas.

Radishes and Runner Beans Companion Planting

Runner beans are a good companion plant for radishes in a vegetable garden. Their climbing nature provides shade for the radishes, helping to keep them cool. The beans also help to fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits the radishes and helps them grow strong and healthy.

Squash and Runner Beans Companion Planting

Runner beans are a good companion plant for summer squash in a vegetable garden. They help to deter pests like aphids and beetles, while also providing shade for the squash plants. Additionally, runner beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit the growth of summer squash.

Onions and Runner Beans Companion Planting

Runner beans are not a good companion plant for onions in a vegetable garden. They have a tendency to compete for nutrients and water, which can hinder the growth of onions. It is best to avoid planting them together to ensure the health and productivity of both plants.

Tips For Companion Planting With Runner Beans

Your Turn!

• What have you learned about companion planting for Runner Beans?