🫘 Bush Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
vegetables
legume
☀️ Sun
Full sun (6, 8 hours); tolerates light partial shade but yield decreases
💧 Water
Medium; 1 inch per week consistently; critical during flowering and pod set; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases (anthracnose, rust)
🗺️ Zones
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
🧪 Soil pH
6.0, 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
🪴 Soil Type
Moderately fertile, well-drained loam; do NOT over-fertilize with nitrogen , beans fix their own; too much nitrogen produces lush leaves but few pods
🚿 Drainage
Well-drained; does NOT tolerate waterlogged soil , causes root rot
📏 Spacing
Seeds 2, 4 inches apart in rows 18, 24 inches apart; thin to 4, 6 inches between plants
⏱️ Maturity
50-65 days (from seed); bush varieties mature faster than pole types
🍴 Edible Parts
🍽️ Pods (snap beans , whole young pod)
🍽️ Seeds (shelling beans, dried beans)
Key:🤝 Grows well together❌ Keep apart☀️ Sun needs💧 Water🗺️ Hardiness zone
🤝 Companions (13)
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
Repels Mexican bean beetle and nematodes; general-purpose pest repellent
Trap crop for aphids and Mexican bean beetle IMPORTANT management caveat: without active management, nasturtiums can become a SOURCE of aphids that migrate to nearby crops. Either remove aphid-infested nasturtium plants promptly, or treat the trap crop itself to eliminate the aphid colony before it spreads. Strategic placement within 4-5 feet of protected crops is key.
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
Beans repel Colorado potato beetle; potatoes repel Mexican bean beetle , a rare mutual pest-repelling pair
Repels Mexican bean beetle and bean weevils; aromatic oils deter many insect pests
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
Repels Mexican bean beetle; improves bean flavor and growth; a classic companion known since Roman times
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators
⚠️ Keep Apart (3)
⚠️ Alliums (onion, garlic, chives)
Alliums exude antibacterial compounds that inhibit the nitrogen-fixing Rhizobium bacteria beans depend on; can stunt bean growth significantly
⚠️ Beets
Both are heavy feeders; beets may stunt bean growth; conflicting root exudates (some sources say neutral but most advise separation)
Allelopathic , universally antagonistic to most garden plants
💊 Medicinal Uses
Medicinal Properties
- High in soluble fiber (cholesterol-lowering, blood sugar regulation)
- Good source of plant protein, folate, iron, and potassium
- Green beans contain carotenoids (lutein, beta-carotene) supporting eye health
- Traditional: bean pod tea used as a mild diuretic and for diabetes management (contains inositol-related compounds)
📝 Growing Notes
Bush beans produce all at once (great for canning/freezing); no trellis needed. Succession plant every 2, 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Do NOT soak bean seeds before planting , causes cracking and poor germination. Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium bacteria for better nitrogen fixation in new beds. Rotate legumes every 2, 3 years to prevent disease buildup.
🛒 Buy Seeds & Plants
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Botanical Interests
True Leaf Market
Burpee
Territorial Seed Company
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