Companion Plants for French Beans: The Ultimate Guide

Are you trying to grow some healthy and delicious French beans in your garden? If so, you may be wondering what kind of companion plants would work well with them. Companion planting is a popular gardening technique where two or more types of plants are grown together in order to benefit each other in some way. In this blog post, we will discuss the best companion plants for French beans and how they can help improve the health, yield, and flavor of your crops.

The Benefits of Companion Planting:

Companion planting has been used for centuries by farmers and gardeners to improve the health and productivity of their crops. By planting certain types of plants together, gardeners can create a beneficial microclimate that promotes growth and reduces pests and diseases. Some of the benefits of companion planting include:

Pest Control:

Certain plants have natural insect-repelling properties that can help protect your crops from harmful pests. For example, marigolds are known to repel nematodes, while garlic and chives can deter aphids and caterpillars.

Nutrient Cycling:

Different plants have different nutrient requirements, and by growing them together, you can create a self-sustaining system that recycles nutrients and reduces the need for fertilizers. For example, legumes like peas and beans are nitrogen-fixing plants that can provide a source of nitrogen for other plants in the same bed.

Enhanced Flavor:

Some companion plants can help enhance the flavor of your crops by adding aromatic compounds or masking unpleasant flavors. For example, herbs like basil and thyme can add a delicious flavor to tomatoes, while onions and garlic can help mask the bitterness of brassicas like broccoli and kale.

The Best Companion Plants for French Beans:

1. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a great companion plant for French beans because they attract aphids away from the beans. They also have a shallow root system that doesn't compete with the beans for nutrients, and their flowers and leaves are edible and make a tasty addition to salads.

2. Radishes

Radishes are another good choice for companion planting with French beans because they help to break up heavy soil and improve drainage. They also mature quickly, so you can harvest them before your beans to grow too large.

3. Carrots

Carrots can be planted alongside French beans because they have a deep taproot that helps to loosen the soil and improve drainage. They also don't compete with the beans for nutrients because they have different growing requirements.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular companion plant for many types of vegetables, including French beans. They are known to repel nematodes, which can damage the roots of plants, and they also attract beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.

5. Corn

Corn is an excellent companion plant for French beans because it provides a support structure for the beans to climb. The beans, in turn, fix nitrogen in the soil that benefits the corn. This symbiotic relationship is known as 'Three Sisters' planting, which was used by Native Americans for centuries.

6. Peas

Peas and beans are both legumes, which means they have similar nutrient requirements. By planting them together, you can create a self-sustaining system that recycles nitrogen and reduces the need for fertilizers. Peas can also provide a support structure for the beans to climb.

7. Cucumbers

Cucumbers and French beans can be planted together because they have similar growing requirements and don't compete with each other for nutrients. Cucumbers also provide a trellis for the beans to climb, and their leaves can help to shade the soil and retain moisture.

8. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a good companion plant for French beans because they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. They also have deep roots that don't compete with the beans for nutrients, and their leaves can help to shade the soil and retain moisture.

9. Beets

Beets can be planted alongside French beans because they have a taproot that helps to loosen the soil and improve drainage. They also don't compete with the beans for nutrients because they have different growing requirements.

10. Spinach

Spinach is a good companion plant for French beans because it grows quickly and can be harvested before the beans to grow too large. It also has shallow roots that don't compete with the beans for nutrients, and its leaves can help to shade the soil and retain moisture.

11. Garlic

Garlic is a natural insect repellent and can help to deter aphids and caterpillars from your French beans. It also has a shallow root system that doesn't compete with the beans for nutrients, and its bulbs can be harvested in the fall.

12. Chives

Chives are another good choice for companion planting with French beans because they also have insect-repelling properties. They also have a shallow root system that doesn't compete with the beans for nutrients, and their leaves can be used as a tasty addition to salads.

13. Sage

Sage is a natural insect repellent and can help to deter pests like cabbage moths and carrot flies from your French beans. It also has a deep root system that can help to loosen the soil and improve drainage.

14. Borage

Borage is a good companion plant for French beans because it attracts beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs. It also has a shallow root system that doesn't compete with the beans for nutrients, and its leaves and flowers are edible and make a tasty addition to salads.

15. Basil

Basil is a natural insect repellent and can help to deter pests like tomato hornworms and whiteflies from your French beans. It also has a deep root system that can help to loosen the soil and improve drainage, and its leaves can be used to add flavor to your cooking.

FAQs:

1. What are some other benefits of companion planting?

Companion planting can help reduce soil erosion, conserve water, and increase biodiversity in your garden. It can also improve the flavor and nutrition of your crops and create a more visually appealing garden.

2. How do I know which plants to companion plant with my French beans?

Look for plants that have similar growing requirements, don't compete with the beans for nutrients, and provide some kind of benefit like pest control or nutrient cycling. You can also research companion planting charts or consult with a local gardening expert.

3. Can I companion plant French beans with other types of beans?

Yes, you can companion plant French beans with other types of beans like lima beans or pole beans. They have similar growing requirements and can help to create a self-sustaining system that recycles nutrients.

4. Can companion planting help reduce the need for pesticides?

Yes, companion planting can help reduce the need for pesticides by attracting beneficial insects that prey on harmful pests. It can also create a healthier microclimate that makes plants more resistant to diseases and pests.

5. Can I grow French beans in containers with companion plants?

Yes, you can grow French beans in containers with companion plants as long as the container is large enough to accommodate both types of plants. Make sure to choose companion plants that have similar growing requirements and don't compete with the beans for nutrients.


Companion planting is an excellent way to improve the health, yield, and flavor of your French beans. By planting them alongside other beneficial plants like nasturtiums, radishes, and marigolds, you can create a self-sustaining system that recycles nutrients and reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides. So why not give it a try and see how much better your French beans can taste?