Has anyone grown the three sister's method? It is planting corn and after it's up planting climbing green beans and at the base you plant squash.
I'm thinking of trying that this year. I'm in zone 5. If you have been successful at this method would you share how you did it and what success you had. Also, what type of corn, beans and squash did you select?
Thanks,
Brenda
Three Sister's Garden Method
I am interested in trying this also, and have done a little research. most articles I've read don't specify varieties, though I did copy one that did:
"Here we have planted Black Mexican/ Aztec Corn, Corn Field Beans and a variety of Winter Squashes along with a cover crop/"living mulch" of mustard in a mound/circle pattern. Each available growing space is utilized."
I'm really excited about this - hope you get some responses from experienced growers!
Great thread topic!!!
Not all beans and squash are suited for interplanting with corn.Most need a lot of sunlight.I tried some of the green bean types and they did porely as did the bush type squash.The cornfield runner type dry beans and runner squash and pumpkins did well.I have planted climbing southern peas in the corn after the corn was havested and it did well.
Loon, have you tried a DG search for Three Sisters? I know I've seen several threads about that method over the last 3-4 years.
I just read an article about this in one of my gardening magazine. I can't find the article so I'll tell you what I remember. It seems that it might have been an American Indian practice. The writer of the article said that some things didn't get enough sun and trying to harvest was difficult because it was a tangled mess. I believe she also said something about the corn yield or quality not being great. I'll be interested in how it turns out if you try it. Also it might not have been Sweet Corn but Indian Corn.
arlene