How to Grow Pole Beans With Corn
Corn and pole beans have been grown together for centuries. Native Americans used to grow corn, pole beans and pumpkins together, calling the combination the "three sisters." This strategy uses corn stalks as a trellis for the pole bean plant, so your pole beans grow up and around each corn stalk. Planting both crops together can save space and eliminates the need for stakes or trellises to support your pole beans. While many experts endorse this technique, others caution that it can weaken the plants or reduce yield, so consider the possible pros and cons before you plant. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Plant your corn several weeks before your pole beans. The bean plants will climb up the corn stalk, but if you plant the beans too early there won't be a stalk to climb. Plant your pole beans once the corn stalks are a few inches high, so the corn is always slightly ahead of the bean plant.
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Train your pole beans around the corn stalk as they grow. Wrap the vines from the pole beans around the corn stalk so the bean plant winds around the corn stalk. If the beans are reluctant to wind around the corn, you can tie them in place using soft string or pantyhose. Tie your string loosely so the vines are not crushed.
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Water your plants regularly and continue to train the beans as they grow. Remember that you have twice the crops in the same area, so you may need to water more often. Your beans will need to be trained every few days, and once the bean pods appear they should be harvested regularly.
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Tips & Warnings
Pole beans can become heavy once bean pods begin to appear. If your corn stalks seem weak or unable to support the weight of the beans, consider adding a wooden or bamboo stake next to the stalk for extra support. Tie the corn stalk to the stake using string or twine to keep the corn and beans upright.
