Three sisters

[William Barger]

Has anyone planted the three sister (corn,green beans, and squash) using the Native American method? Bill

[Tony]

[Greg]

Did they happen to mention why it is not such a great idea?

[Frogleg]

Corn and beans can grow together happily, with the beans using the cornstalks for support. Squash, however, requires a lot of room and a lot of sun, and is better off away from the shade of a cornpatch.

[Callen Molenda]

My father tried this a couple of years ago and whether due to his inexperience, or the method not being great, it wasn't a success.

Callen in VA

[Bill B]

I tried it and won't do it again. The squash will grow rampantly under the corn and it's impossible to harvest the corn without having to step on the squash vines. Production of the squash wasn't too great either. Getting into the corn patch to pick beans was a hassle also. This year each will have it's own separate growing area. I like to hill up the corn due to high wind problems here and it's nye impossible with squash and beans inter planted with the corn.

[Cheryl Isaak]

I've seen it done up in NE - I wonder if the cooler temps help the grower.

Cheryl

[William Brown]