[jennyb]

runner beans and onion - according to various companion planting guides they are not compatible when planting.

but i can't find any reasons for this.  plus how far away from each other would they need to be if they aren't good for each other for whatever reason?

[mashbintater]

I don't know why either, I've a pathway between my designated growing areas roughly 4 ft min apart. If it's windborne I'm ok- ish, if its water drainage, one plot's under question, for the onions that is. Interested to read more on this......

[Aidy]

I could be wrong here here but it is something to do with the roots, Alliums produce a chemical which stops the formation of the nodules on Legumes.

[vegmandan]

My mate planted his Leeks next to his runners last year and they just didn't grow well at all (the leeks that is) :?

[gobs]

My mate planted his Leeks next to his runners last year and they just didn't grow well at all (the leeks that is) :?

Same here, I once inter-planted onions with beans, no much joy of onion to understate the shameful fact of it, one of, I know, but I'm not trying to prove it right or wrong again, thanks.

[gobs]

I could be wrong here here but it is something to do with the roots, Alliums produce a chemical which stops the formation of the nodules on Legumes.

It is pretty much in the roots and what chemicals they produce, we don't seem to know much about what exactly happens.

Might be OK in different beds a little while away, but don't think it's worth bothering planting right next to each other.

[jennyb]

when you say a little.......... how about a foot or so?

[gobs]

when you say a little.......... how about a foot or so?

I don't know Jen and I'm quite uncertain if anybody does, I'd go a bit further on instinct.

[jennyb]

this was my nice neat plan....



sorry its a bit small i thought i had a bigger version online it seems not.

[diggerjoe]

would this apply to broad beans as well :?:  as just planted two rows of pot grown plants  next to onions sets :?

[gobs]

Jenny, that seems OK. If there is indeed a fence next to frame, I'd swap the marigolds for the beans, as they would not get any light once the beans have grown, also will give a bit more distance, but as I said, it doesn't matter in this case, as onion row is in another direction, etc.

Yes, if it were true, it would be the case for all or most legumes and alliums, don't know how far is enough though, might be OK in a separate bed, onion roots tend not to be enormous.

[jennyb]

thanks gobs - don't think i will bother with the marigolds under the beans - not even sure why i drew them there.... think i got a bit photoscape happy with the colours etc!

on the right it's actually the side of the shed.