Three Sisters Garden
Traditional Native American trio: corn supports beans, beans enrich soil, squash shades and deters pests
The classic Native American companion planting method. Corn provides support for climbing beans, beans fix nitrogen in the soil for hungry corn, and squash sprawls across the ground to shade roots and deter pests with its prickly leaves. A harmonious trio that has fed civilizations for centuries.
Why This Works
Corn provides a natural trellis for beans to climb, maximizing vertical space
Beans fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, naturally fertilizing the corn
Squash leaves spread across the ground to shade soil, retain moisture, and deter pests
Traditional method refined over centuries by Native American farmers
The Plants in This Plot
Planting Instructions
- 1
Plant corn first and let it grow 15-20cm tall
- 2
Once established, plant beans around the corn base
- 3
Add squash seeds on the outer edges when beans are established
- 4
Space corn 30cm apart, beans 15cm apart, squash 60cm from center
Care & Maintenance
Water consistently, especially during corn's growth phase
The squash leaves naturally mulch the soil, reducing water needs
Monitor for pests on beans—the corn and squash usually protect them
Harvest in succession: corn first, then beans, finally squash
Get All the Seeds
Start your Three Sisters Garden today with everything you need
Find All Seeds on AmazonIndividual seed links are available for each plant above