10 Plants for Amazing Summer Squash Growth

4. Beans: The Eco-Friendly Boost Your Squash Garden Needs

Okay, so here’s a confession—I used to think beans were just for soups and chili. 🌱 But then I learned something kind of magical: they actually feed the soil. Yep, beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they pull nitrogen from the air and make it available in the soil—basically giving your summer squash a natural energy drink. Who knew?

Why I Started Growing Beans with My Squash

Let me set the scene. Last season, my squash plants looked… okay. Not great, not terrible. Leaves were a little pale, fruit was smaller than I’d hoped. I was watering regularly and even tossed in some compost, but something was missing.

That’s when I remembered reading about companion planting for vegetables and how beans can help squash thrive. So I gave it a shot. I planted a few rows of bush beans around the edges of my beds and trained some pole beans up a trellis near the squash. Within a few weeks? Big difference. The leaves got greener, the vines grew stronger, and the squash started producing like crazy.

It wasn’t magic—it was science (and a little gardening intuition). Beans really do support healthy leaf and fruit development in squash, especially when you’re going for that lush, full-growth look.

Vertical Gardening Made Easy

Now, if you’re short on space (like most of us city dwellers), this next part is gold. Pole beans are seriously underrated when it comes to vertical garden design. I mean, they climb! I used a simple bamboo teepee structure and let them scramble up while my squash sprawled out below.

This setup was a total space-saver and made my garden feel way more organized. Plus, it added height and visual interest—perfect for those of you who care about garden layout ideas that look as good as they function.

If you’re into sustainable gardening or trying to live a bit more eco-consciously, beans are a dream come true. No need for synthetic fertilizers when you’ve got plants doing the work for you.

Beans = A Win-Win for Soil and Style

Honestly, I wish I’d discovered this combo sooner. Beans give back in so many ways—nutritionally, aesthetically, and ecologically. They’re one of those organic gardening tips that feels like a secret superpower once you start using them.

They also pair beautifully with other companion plants for cucurbits, making your garden both productive and pretty. And bonus? You get to snack on fresh green beans while watching your squash flourish.

👉 Want to see what happens when you bring in the big guns of traditional gardening wisdom? Click Next to dive into the classic trio known as corn, beans, and squash—the original plant squad!