These beetles are relatives of ladybugs and look quite similar, but they eat legume foliage instead of pests, so you won’t want them around. If you like to grow a lot of legumes, bean plants can contribute to a Mexican bean beetle problem. Once your beans are established, slow down on applying nitrogen so you’re not applying too much the beans don’t need it and while your other plants do, you don’t want to overload them! Nitrogen is responsible for leaf growth, and too much will cause plants to grow more foliage and fewer flowers or fruit. Like any other nutrient, too much nitrogen can be a bad thing. Pole varieties can climb trellises and provide shade, while bush varieties can keep the ground covered to prevent erosion and protect delicate roots. When they’re planted next to other plants, their neighbors may benefit from that, too.īeans can also provide shade and ground cover, depending on whether they are bush or pole varieties. You won’t need to fertilize much because they make their own fertility once established. The most obvious benefit of legume crops is their nitrogen-fixing capability! These crops are proven to improve soil nitrogen availability. What will a bean plant contribute to the garden? Overall, it’s an agreeable plant that will do well beside almost any vegetable.

Beans as Companion Plants A bean plant contributes nitrogen to the garden and can provide shade and ground cover. There are proven benefits to companion planting in your garden.

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