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The Three Sisters Planting is an ancient Native American method of companion growing with corn, squash, and beans.  When grown together these three plants work in conjunction to benefit each other to deter pests, enrich the soil, and support each other to produce better yields in this combination.  The corn provides a tall, sturdy stalk that supports the beans as they vine upwards.  The beans, in turn, fix nitrogen from the air into the soil, fertilizing the corn and squash.  The squash deters pests by producing big prickly leaves that poke small animals looking for a snack, and shade the roots, keeping the soil moist and weed free. 

When growing the Three Sisters, plant in this method:

1. Create a mound about 20 inches wide and 5 inches high with a small well in the center.

2. Plant 4 corn seeds in the well 6 inches apart and 1-3 inches deep.  

3. After the corn is 4 or 5 inches tall, plant 1 bean per stalk on the outer ring of the mound at least 3 inches from the corn stalk and 1 inch deep.

4. After another week, plant 2 squash per mound on the exterior of the mound.

5. As the plants grow, train the beans up the corn stalks and the squash around the mound and away to not crowd the beans and corn.

If planting multiple mounds, leave 3 or 4 feet in between to make harvesting easier.  This is a great method for raised beds with walks in between.