How to Plant a Three Sister’s Garden

Learn how to plant a three sisters garden of corn, beans and squash. For many Native American cultures these plants were planted together for centuries because they each help each other thrive and survive in a garden. They also compliment each other in meals. Corn provides carbohydrates; beans are rich in protein and amino acids, and squash has vitamin and minerals that are not present in beans and corn.


Why They Work Well Together
According to “Native Seeds,” Corn provides the stalks for the beans to climb. Beans provide nitrogen to fertilize the soil and stabilize the corn during heavy winds. The large squash leaves shade the soil, and helps the soil retain its moisture and prevent weeds from growing.

When to Plant
According to Native Seeds, “These crops are warm season plants and do not tolerate frost. Plant seeds for the Three Sisters outside with the spring, summer, or monsoon planting periods. Check with your local planting calendar to determine the best time for your area.”

https://www.nativeseeds.org/blogs/blog-news/how-to-grow-a-three-sisters-garden