How to Plant a Three Sisters Garden: Companion Planting at Its Best

The Three Sisters planting technique is a centuries-old method of companion planting that leverages the natural relationships between corn, beans, and squash. This sustainable gardening technique enhances soil health, maximizes space, and produces a diverse and bountiful harvest. Here’s how you can plant your own Three Sisters garden.

Understanding the Three Sisters

1. Sister Beans: These legumes fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, enriching it for all the plants. Use pole beans like Blue Lake, Scarlet Runner, or Italian Snap. Avoid bush beans as they won't climb the corn stalks.
2. Sister Corn: Acts as a natural support for the climbing beans. Choose varieties like sweet corn, dent corn, or popcorn.
3. Sister Squash: Shades the soil with its large leaves, reducing weeds and retaining moisture. You can plant either summer or winter squash.

Preparing the Garden

1. Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least six hours of sunlight daily. Ensure the soil is weed-free and rich in organic matter.
2. Building Mounds: Create mounds four inches tall and 18 inches wide at the base, with a flat top about 10 inches across. Space the mounds four feet apart.

Planting the Sisters

1. Corn: Plant 4–5 corn seeds in the mound, spacing them six inches apart. Allow the corn to grow knee-high before planting the other sisters.
2. Beans: Once the corn is sturdy, plant the bean seeds around the corn. Coat the seeds with an inoculant for better nitrogen fixation.
3. Squash: When the beans reach six inches, plant squash seeds around the perimeter of the mound, spacing them 18 inches apart.

Adding a Fourth Sister

You can include a fourth sister, such as sunflower, bee balm, or amaranth, to attract pollinators, distract birds from the corn, and provide additional support for the beans.

Companion Planting Success

This ancient gardening method, used by Native American tribes like the Iroquois and Zuni, is not only a practical way to grow vegetables but also a beautiful display of biodiversity. Whether you’re planting the Wampanoag method or adapting to an arid region, the Three Sisters garden promotes healthy soil, strong plants, and a thriving ecosystem.

Plant your Three Sisters garden this season and enjoy the benefits of sustainable gardening. Grow organic for life!

The Three Sisters is a planting method, watch our video to learn all about it!