Plant your corn a little deeper than normal (for root strength), when it is about 6-in high plant pole beans right next to the corn, they will climb the corn stalks (might need a little manual assistance) and return nitrogen to the soil for next year. After the beans have started up the corn stalks plant pumpkins (or other winter squash) in the same area. The larger leaves will shade the rest of the area and keep weeds back. Make sure that you do this in hills as good drainage is essential.
We first did this a few years back as a novelty, but now we do our first corn planting this way every year.
My daughter attempted a 3 sisters plot last year, but got very discouraged with it and lost interest.
How big is your first corn planting that you can do a 3 sisters with it?
“Have you tried a “three sisters” garden?”
I tried it quite a few years back. Must not have done it right, because none of it did particularly well, compared to planting it separate, in rows. Maybe I’ll have to try it again another year.
That 3 crop gardening came from the Indians, not sure which tribe but the technique is very old.
Thank you for posting that.
“three sisters garden”....that’s a neat idea....we have 14 acres of “lots” for sale behind us....bare ground waiting for homes....which I don’t think will be coming for years....soooo....I was thinking of using the lot right behind us....and you idea seems good, however, what about deer? Don’t they like all that stuff? I’m NOT putting any fences up. Thanks.