How to grow pole beans

Frost-tender · Legume family

When to sow and plant

Sow outdoors 6–20 May

Frost-tender: everything 17 days later, so it only goes outside once there is no frost in 9 out of 10 years.

Based on: average for Germany, last frost 19 April, safe from 6 May

Where the dates come from

The weeks come from our sources; the dates use the average frost in Germany. Enter a German postcode to get dates for your area.

Sow outdoors: 0–2 weeks after the last frost (RHS: How to grow French beans)

Good and bad neighbours

Good neighbours · 5

SweetcornExpert rule· C
Corn works as a pole for the beans and saves space. Whether the mix yields more is unclear.
C: Expert rule with a reason
Sweetcorn
Pumpkin and winter squashExpert rule· C
Big squash leaves keep the soil moist and shaded, which is said to help bean flowering.
C: Expert rule with a reason
Pumpkin and winter squash
CucumberExpert rule· C
Beans fix nitrogen, but it is only released once their roots rot in the soil.
C: Expert rule with a reason
Cucumber
White cabbage, Red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Kale, Kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, Pak choiExpert rule· C
Legumes fix nitrogen that cabbage can use – but it is only released once their roots rot.
C: Expert rule with a reason
White cabbage Red cabbage Savoy cabbage Cauliflower Broccoli Brussels sprouts Kale Kohlrabi Chinese cabbage Pak choi
SunflowerExpert rule· C
Sunflowers act as a support for climbing beans.
C: Expert rule with a reason
Sunflower

Gardeners’ lore, not proven · 3

Zucchini (courgette)Lore: good· D
Traditional advice, not tested.
D: Tradition, named by at least two sources
Zucchini (courgette)
NasturtiumLore: good· D
Traditional advice, not tested.
D: Tradition, named by at least two sources
Nasturtium
Florence fennelLore: bad· D
Traditionally seen as bad neighbours; no proven reason.
D: Tradition, named by at least two sources
Florence fennel

Crop rotation

After the legume family, leave the bed free of it for at least 3 years (sources: 3–4 years).

The same species should go back to the same spot after a break of 3 years at the earliest.
Example: grown here in 2026, again from 2030.

At a glance

Family: Legume family (Fabaceae)
Nutrient needs: Light feeder
Frost: Tender to frost
Spacing (row × plant): 61–91 × 10–20 cm (24–36 × 4–8 in)
Plants per m²: 16.4
Per square foot (30 × 30 cm): 8 plants
Life cycle: Annual
Harvest: After 60–110 days from sowing

Spacing according to University of Maryland Extension: Growing Beans in a Home Garden. Other sources: 45 × 15 cm (18 × 6 in) (RHS: How to grow French beans).

Questions and answers

When can I sow pole beans?

Sow outdoors, average for Germany: 6–20 May. That is the date after which there is no frost in 9 out of 10 years. Enter a German postcode above for your area, or your own frost date in the planting calendar.

How far apart should I plant pole beans?

61–91 × 10–20 cm (24–36 × 4–8 in) (row × plant), according to University of Maryland Extension: Growing Beans in a Home Garden.

What grows well next to pole beans?

Sweetcorn: Good neighbour (C), Pumpkin and winter squash: Good neighbour (C), Cucumber: Good neighbour (C), White cabbage, Red cabbage, Savoy cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Kale, Kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, Pak choi: Good neighbour (C) and Sunflower: Good neighbour (C).

How long a break do pole beans need in the same bed?

After the legume family, leave the bed free of it for at least 3 years (sources: 3–4 years). The same species should go back to the same spot after a break of 3 years at the earliest.

Sources

Show 14 sources

Retrieved on 23 October 2026. Facts in our own words, one source per value.