Forum home› Fruit & veg
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Companion planting - rhubarb and runner beans

jayteajaytea Posts: 4
in Fruit & veg
Next year I want to try planting the beans in same bed as rhubarb so the rhubarb will be under the beans when they grow.  I welcome comments as to whether that’s a good idea

Posts

  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    They will grow together assuming all other conditions are met - growing medium, watering and sun.
    East Lancs
  • jayteajaytea Posts: 4
    Appreciate your answer Biglad.  I have a long time to think about it but have the bit between my teeth so may just try it and report back on result
  • BigladBiglad Posts: 3,265
    I stand to be corrected but I understand there is some kind of nitrogen exchange that will benefit both and some pests will also be deterred by the combination.

    I certainly grew some dwarf french beans alongside my rhubarb this year with no problems :)
    East Lancs
  • josusa47josusa47 Posts: 3,530
    I've been thinking on similar lines.  My runner beans always outgrow their supports and get top-heavy.  My rhubarb bed is beside the garage and on the garage wall is a trellis on which I've been trying for years to grow a wisteria.  It's recently occurred to me that I could sow my runner beans behind the rhubarb to make use of the trellis.
  • jayteajaytea Posts: 4
    I being believe the nitrogen will benefit the rhubarb. And the rhubarb could deter green and white fly on the beans
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    josusa47 This year I grew my runners alongside the rhubarb and both did well, so I can't see any reason for not doing what you suggest.  Both crops need a lot of 'food' to prosper but I think it's safe to say that many gardeners neglect to prepare their bean sites adequately.  I'm therefore tempted to offer the proviso that, if both crops are to be fed from the same soil, even more nutrition will need to be applied.  It also occurs to me that rhubarb is usually left in the same position and, because beans are normally trenched or pitted to ensure sufficient goodness underneath them, it might be unwise to dig into the rhubarb?
  • jayteajaytea Posts: 4
    thanks I will take that on board
Sign In or Register to comment.