Fava Bean Companion Plants: Growing Fava Beans With the Right Plants

Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are a highly nutritious legume that is easy to grow in your garden. They are a great source of protein and fiber and add an earthy flavor to dishes. However, like most plants, fava beans have their preferences when it comes to companion planting. Companion planting is the practice of planting certain plants together to help each other thrive. In this blog post, we'll explore the best companion plants for fava beans and how they can help your garden flourish.

The Benefits of Fava Bean Companion Plants

Companion planting has been used for centuries by farmers and gardeners alike. It is a natural way to keep pests away, improve soil health, and increase yields. By planting fava beans with the right companion plants, you can:

- Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that prey on garden pests.
- Improve soil health by planting nitrogen-fixing plants alongside fava beans.
- Increase yields by planting complementary plants that don't compete for resources.

Companion Plants for Fava Beans

Here are some of the best companion plants for fava beans:

1. Nitrogen-Fixing Plants

Fava beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. This makes fava beans an excellent choice for improving soil health. However, if you want to maximize the benefits of nitrogen fixation, consider planting fava beans with other nitrogen-fixing plants like:

- Peas: Peas are another legume that fix nitrogen in the soil. They also have shallow roots, which means they won't compete with fava beans for resources.
- Clover: Clover is a low-growing plant that is often used as a cover crop. It fixes nitrogen in the soil and helps improve soil structure.
- Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a deep-rooted plant that can help break up hard soil. It also fixes nitrogen in the soil and attracts beneficial insects.

2. Flowers

Planting flowers alongside your fava beans can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. These insects can help pollinate your plants and prey on garden pests. Here are some of the best flowers to plant with fava beans:

- Marigolds: Marigolds are great for repelling garden pests like aphids and nematodes. They also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
- Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are edible flowers that add a peppery flavor to dishes. They also attract beneficial insects and repel pests like cucumber beetles and squash bugs.
- Calendula: Calendula is a bright yellow flower that attracts beneficial insects and repels pests like aphids.

3. Herbs

Herbs are a great companion plant for fava beans because they can help repel pests and improve soil health. Here are some of the best herbs to plant with fava beans:

- Rosemary: Rosemary has a strong scent that can help repel pests like cabbage moths and carrot flies. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help improve soil health.
- Sage: Sage is another herb with a strong scent that can help repel pests. It also has antifungal properties that can help prevent root rot.
- Thyme: Thyme is a low-growing herb that can help improve soil structure. It also has antifungal properties and can help repel pests like slugs.

4. Vegetables

Planting certain vegetables alongside your fava beans can help increase yields and repel pests. Here are some of the best vegetables to plant with fava beans:

- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a good choice for companion planting because they have deep roots that won't compete with fava beans. They also attract beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.
- Cucumbers: Cucumbers are another good choice because they have shallow roots that won't compete with fava beans. They also attract beneficial insects and repel pests like aphids.
- Carrots: Carrots are a root vegetable that can help break up hard soil. They also attract beneficial insects and don't compete with fava beans for resources.

FAQs

1. Can I plant fava beans with other legumes?

Yes, you can plant fava beans with other legumes like peas and lentils. These plants will fix nitrogen in the soil and help improve soil health.

2. How far apart should I plant my fava beans?

Fava beans should be planted about 6 inches apart in rows that are about 18 inches apart.

3. Do fava beans need full sun?

Yes, fava beans need at least 6 hours of full sun per day to thrive.

4. What pests should I watch out for when growing fava beans?

Some common pests that can damage fava beans include aphids, bean beetles, and spider mites. Planting companion plants like marigolds and nasturtiums can help repel these pests.

5. When should I harvest my fava beans?

Fava beans should be harvested when the pods are plump and before they to yellow. You can also harvest them when they are small and tender for a sweeter flavor.



Fava beans are a delicious and nutritious legume that can be easily grown in your garden. By planting them alongside the right companion plants, you can improve soil health, attract beneficial insects, and increase yields. Whether you choose to plant nitrogen-fixing plants, flowers, herbs, or vegetables, your fava beans will thank you for their company.