The ancient Native American
technique of growing Corn, Beans, and Squash together in an arrangement
called the Three Sisters is the
ultimate in companion planting and helps increase harvests, naturally!
Corn acts as a support for climbing bean vines, the beans fix nitrogen
in the soil for the high feeding requirements of corn and squash, and
the squash provides mulch and root protection for the corn and beans!
After cooperating beautifully in the garden, corn and beans form a
complete protein when eaten together! How's that for a mutually
beneficial relationship?
The Three Sisters are all easy to direct
sow in the garden and are a great project for children, teaching them
about the beauty of natural harmony while providing a fast-growing
reward for their efforts.
Make the best possible use of your garden
space this season, and try growing the Three Sisters! Just follow the
easy steps listed below, fertilize well, plant other companions like
herbs to assist with pest control, and you'll be harvesting your best
crop in no time!
The Iroquois believe corn, beans and squash are
precious gifts from the Great Spirit, each watched over by one of three
sisters spirits, called the De-o-ha-ko, or “Our Sustainers". The
planting season is marked by ceremonies to honor them, and a festival
commemorates the first harvest of “green” corn on the cob. By retelling
the stories and performing annual rituals, Native Americans passed down
the knowledge of growing, using and preserving the Three Sisters through
generations.
Planting instructions
In November / December in Australia when soil has warmed nicely :
Shape a flat-topped circular mound of soil about a foot high and 2 feet
across at the top, sloping outward toward the base. Plant a circle of
Corn seeds on top, about 5 or 6, and water them in well, tamping down
your soil mound firmly so it doesn't wash away in the first rain. Space
the mounds 3 or 4 feet apart in the garden.
Since all corn
grows on sturdy, dependable stalks, the variety you choose depends on
the flavor, disease resistance, and holding ability you want.
About two weeks later:
When your corn reaches about 5 or 6 inches high, plant Bean seeds (6 to
8 of them) around the edges of the flat top or about halfway down the
sloping sides of the circular mound. Push the seeds down deep into the
soil and, if you're planting on the slope, make sure the soil is nice
and firm. Add a bit of Thrive or liquid enhancer at planting time to help the Beans
fix nitrogen.
To get your Beans to climb up the cornstalks,
choose Pole rather than Bush varieties.
One week or so after that:
Plant Squash seeds
around the base of the mound, on flat ground. You can make them radiate
around the mound, or just go in the direction you have available space! 6
to 8 seeds in a ring around the base of the mound is usually plenty.
The traditional Squash family member for this Sister is Pumpkin, with
its all-American flavor and long growing season. Rumbo is a unique
Korean variety that looks like an heirloom Pumpkin but tastes sweeter
and more succulent than a Butternut Squash! For a quicker harvest, grow
Summer Squash or
Zucchini
When everything begins growing . . .
|
|
| English: These pits are remains of community storage cellars for corn, beans and squash. Used by the Iroquois Indians (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Thin the plantings to 2 or 3 Corn stalks, each with no more than 2 Bean
plants winding around it. (You'll need to help the Beans get started
growing up the stalks). The Squash is going to vine along the ground, so
the number of plants you need depends on how far apart your mounds of
corn and beans are, how long the vines get, and how much walking space
you need in the garden.
