Three Sisters Garden
This Native American planting technique is the epitome of companion planting. The Three Sisters--corn, bean and squash--help each other in various ways. The corn provides support for the pole beans; the beans add nitrogen to the soil which helps the corn grow; and the squash covers the ground, keeping the soil moist and minimizing weed growth. And together, these three vegetables provide a nutritionally balanced meal!
Best of all, planting a Three Sisters Garden is simple:
- Create a mound of dirt about a foot high and 18 to 20 inches across. In the middle of each mound, sow 5 or 6 corn seeds in a circle. Sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart.
- When the corn reaches 5 or 6 inches tall, plant 4 to 6 pole bean seeds around the corn. Next, plant 4 to 6 squash seeds about 12 inches from where you planted the beans.
- Water and fertilize the seeds when you plant them. As the beans begin to grow, train them to wrap around the corn.
- When harvest time comes...enjoy!
Last updated: 01/29/2021
Share this Article:
Related Articles
Sign up for Email
Get in on the best deals, new products and gardening tips.