Stephen Albert
Sometimes one vegetable crop can help another vegetable crop grow better just by being nearby. For example lettuce and spinach often grow better in the shade of a taller plant. Growing two or more crops in close proximity for a shared benefit is called companion planting.
A classic planting of three garden companions is corn, beans, and squash. Native Americans call this inter-planted trio The Three Sisters.
Plant corn and pole beans on a mound or small hill; next, plant squash or pumpkin vines at the base of the mound. The corn will act as a living pole or stake for the beans to climb. The beans which draw nitrogen from the air and “fix” or add it to the soil will help the corn grow. Prickly squash vines growing at the foot of the mound will protect the corn and beans from animal crop invaders.
Planting The Three Sisters is an excellent use of space in a small garden.
The concept of growing beans, corn, and squash together is an ancient agricultural technique known as the Three Sisters method. This practice originated with Indigenous peoples of the Americas and is a brilliant example of companion planting, where different plants are grown together in a way that benefits each other. Here’s how it works:
How the Three Sisters Work Together
- Corn:
- Acts as the structural support.
- Grows tall and provides a natural pole for the beans to climb, reducing the need for stakes or trellises.
- Beans:
- Fix nitrogen in the soil through their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
- Provide the corn and squash with the nitrogen they need to grow.
- Climbing the corn stalks helps maximize space in the garden.
- Squash:
- Acts as a natural mulch by spreading along the ground with its large, broad leaves.
- Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Its prickly stems deter pests like raccoons that might eat the corn.
Why It’s Called the Three Sisters
The name Three Sisters comes from Indigenous oral traditions that often personify these plants as three sisters who thrive together when united. In Native American culture, the Three Sisters were central to sustaining life, both nutritionally and spiritually. They symbolize cooperation, interdependence, and harmony in nature.
Benefits of the Three Sisters Method
- Soil Health: Beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers.
- Space Efficiency: The vertical growth of corn and beans, paired with the sprawling squash, optimizes garden space.
- Pest Control: The squash acts as a deterrent for pests, and the diverse planting reduces the likelihood of pests and diseases spreading.
- Nutritional Balance: Together, these crops provide a balanced diet—corn is a carbohydrate, beans provide protein, and squash adds vitamins and minerals.
This sustainable and symbiotic planting system exemplifies the deep understanding Indigenous peoples have of the environment and agricultural practices. It’s still widely used today by gardeners and farmers looking to grow crops naturally and efficiently.
Corn articles at Harvest to Table:
How to Plant and Grow Sweet Corn
How to Harvest and Store Sweet Corn
Seven Ways to Cook and Serve Sweet Corn
Corn Chowder and Summer Flavors
Grilled Corn with Seasoned Butter
Baby Corn Cooking and Serving Tips
Corn, Beans, Squash: The Three Sisters
Corn Growing Problems Troubleshooting
Corn Earworm Organic Pest Control
