Green Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Also known as: bush bean, snap bean, string bean
Warm-season bush bean that fixes nitrogen in soil. Easy to grow and prolific. Harvest frequently to keep plants producing.
Growing Requirements
Planting Schedule
Direct Sow (Spring)
1–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
5–10 days
Days to Harvest
50–60 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zones 3–10
Do not soak seeds before planting. Inoculant can boost nitrogen fixation.
Companion Plants
Good Companions (10)
Corn
Zea mays
Three sisters: beans fix nitrogen for corn
Confidence: High
Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo
Three sisters variant: squash shades soil for beans
Confidence: Medium
Cucumber
Cucumis sativus
Beans fix nitrogen benefiting heavy-feeding cucumbers
Confidence: Medium
Carrot
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Beans fix nitrogen; carrots break soil without competing
Confidence: Medium
Eggplant
Solanum melongena
Beans fix nitrogen for heavy-feeding eggplant
Confidence: Medium
Radish
Raphanus sativus
Quick radish harvest between bean rows; compatible timing
Confidence: Medium
Marigold
Tagetes spp.
Marigold suppresses nematodes in the bean root zone
Confidence: Medium
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Trap crop for aphids that target beans
Confidence: Medium
Beet
Beta vulgaris
Beans fix nitrogen that benefits beet growth
Confidence: Medium
Yellow Squash
Cucurbita pepo var. recticollis
Beans fix nitrogen benefiting squash growth
Confidence: Medium
Antagonists (4)
Onion
Allium cepa
Allium compounds inhibit bean growth and nitrogen fixation
Confidence: High
Garlic
Allium sativum
Garlic inhibits bean growth and nitrogen fixation
Confidence: High
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum
Fennel is allelopathic and inhibits bean growth
Confidence: High
Chives
Allium schoenoprasum
Alliums inhibit bean growth
Confidence: Medium