The Three Sisters

PV SCHOOL GARDENS

The Three Sistsers Third Grade Spring Planting

Today's Lesson TOPICS WE WILL COVER Who are The Three Sisters?

What is Companion Planting?

Why is Companion Planting Important?

Planting a Three Sisters Garden Video: Three Sisters Garden Discussion Three Sisters Lesson Link HERE Companion Planting Resources

THE THREE SISTERS

REMEMBER THIS:

All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today.

Ancient Proverb

AT THE ROOT OF IT

Who are the Three Sisters?

When Native people speak of the Three Sisters, they are referring to corn, beans, and squash. Known as the sustainers of life, these are the basic foods of sustenance. They are seen as three beautiful sisters, because they grow in the same mound in a garden. The corn provides a trellis for the bean vine to grow upward on. The bean provides nitrogen for the soil to feed the sisters. The squash vines shade the mound and hold moisture in the soil for the corn and beans and it's spiney vines protect the sisters from outside predators. The well being of each crop planted is said to be protected by one another. Adding a fourth sister to help pollinate the garden is always a good idea. Choose sunflower, marigold or nasturtium.

CORN Traditionally Three Sisters planting used grain corn for tortillas, but it also works with sweet corn. Some modern corn varieties are fairly short, which results in the stalks being overwhelmed by the bean vines, so it is a good idea to pick a variety that matures to at least six feet in height, the taller the better.

BEANS Traditionally the beans in a Three Sisters garden were meant to be dried and stored for later use, but beans for fresh eating are also an option. Choose a vining pole bean variety that will climb up the corn stalk as opposed to bush beans that will not.

SQUASH Traditionally the Three Sisters planting was a winter squash variety like butternut, acorn and delicata which grow on vines that spread across the ground. Summer squash varieties like green or yellow zucchini, crookneck and pattypan varieties work as well, but they will grow in single clumps rather than as a spreading groundcover.

IROQUOIS LEGEND Native Americans told stories to pass down important information from generation to generation. Iroquois legend tells the story of three inseparable sisters, Corn, Beans and Squash. The Three Sisters were a traditional planting, widespread among Native American farming societies. When planted together they created a beneficial and supportive growing environment for one another. Today we recognize this process as companion planting.

What is Companion Planting?

COMPANION PLANTING The practice of growing certain plants alongside each other in order to reap the benefits of their complementary characteristics, such as their nutrient requirements, growth habits or pest-repelling abilities.

COMPANION PLANTING EXAMPLES Dill and basil planted among tomatoes can protect from tomato hornworms Sage scattered about the cabbage patch reduces damage from cabbage moths Marigolds repel nematodes which attack vegetable roots, especially tomatoes Nasturtiums lure aphids to flock to them instead of other plants Carrots, dill, parsley, and parsnip attract beneficial insects like praying mantises, ladybugs, and spiders, that will eat insect pests Mint wards off cabbage moth and ants

Why is Companion Planting Important?

FOR THE GARDEN ENVIRONMENT Companion planting can help deter unwanted pests, encourage beneficial pollinators and reduce growth of weeds.

FOR SOIL HEALTH Companion planting can prevent disease, keep soil moist, prevent erosion, and improve the nutrient composition. It has even been said that some planting combinations improve flavor!

FOR EFFICIENT USE OF SPACE Companion planting can reduce the total planting space, lower need for additional trellising and improve plant stablization.

Plant a Three Sisters Garden

THE THREE SISTERS

WHERE DO WE START? Choose a space with full sun 6-8 hours per day. You will need to plant several rows of corn in order for it to be pollinated by the wind. If you choose a winter squash like butternut, you will need space for the vining squash to sprawl. If you choose a summer squash like zucchini, you would not need as much ground space as it grows in clumps. If you prefer a more modern version of the Three Sisters you can plant a bush bean which will be a bit tidier and allow for easier harvesting as they will not overtake the space with vines. It will still provide the nitrogen to the soil but it will not help stabilize the corn. Planting corn close together will create a good support.

TheThree Sisters Nutrition THREE SISTERS NUTRITION When eaten together, the Three Sisters provide a nutritional powerhouse of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.

CORN

BEANS

SQUASH

Corn is a good source of carbohydrates which provide energy. Corn is high in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium.

Corn also provides folate, vitamins C and E, along with vitamin A in the form of beta carotene.

Beans are a good source of protein which your body uses to build and repair tissues. It is an important building block for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. Hair and nails are made up of mostly protein. Beans are also a rich source of fiber, potassium and B vitamins.

Squash, pumpkins and gourds are all members of the same family. They come in many different varieties that provide a host of nutritional benefits in the form of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Orange fleshed varieties are rich in beta carotene.

Ready to Plant

SELECT YOUR SEED VAIRIETIES

PLANT YOUR SEEDS AND SEEDLINGS

NURTURE YOUR GARDEN

Choose open pollinated seeds so that you can save and re-sow next season!

Pick a winter squash like butternut or pumpkin if you have a lot of space or a summer squash like zucchini if space is limited. Pick a pole bean like Kentucky Wonder so it will vine up the cornstalk. Taller corn is better.

Locate your water source ensure your plants will be properly irrigated. Lay out your planting arrangement before you plant. Water will be most crucial just after planting and during the drier parts of the year. Auto timers are a great way to water consistently.

Any successful garden benefits from regular watering, feeding, proper light requirements and nutrient-rich soil.

Remember that healthy soil means healthy roots for your plants, so take the time to amend your soil before you plant.

IN THE GARDEN with Farmer Anique

www.pvschoolgardens.org

THE FARMERS ALMANAC https://www.farmersalmanac.com/companion-planting-guide-31301

Additional Resources

MOTHER EARTH NEWS https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/companionplanting-guide-zmaz81mjzraw KELLOGG GARDEN PRODUCTS https://www.kellogggarden.com/blog/gardening/benefits-ofcompanion-planting/ MODERN FARMER https://modernfarmer.com/2018/06/three-sisters-garden-plantingcorn-beans-squash-together/