Kyla with Agave Farms teaches us about the Three Sisters Companion Planting technique. The "Three Sisters" are comprised of corn, beans, and squash. Beginning centuries ago, these three crops have been the staples of Native American Iroquois agriculture. The three crops complement each other in the garden and nutritionally as well!
Tall corn stalks provide a natural trellis for the beans to climb to escape the expansive squash vines at ground level. Beans give nitrogen, fertilizing the soil to be absorbed by plant roots. The wide leaves of the squash plants provide shade, helping the soil retain moisture and combating weeds.
In the Phoenix area, Snap Beans can be planted from seed Mid March to End of April. Corn can go in Mid February to Mid April, and squash seeds want to go in the ground Mid February to Mid April. Early April is the sweet spot for planting thee Three Sisters from seed.
Keep this technique in mind for your Spring garden inspiration. You can still do this now if you are able to find transplants for the Three Sisters, otherwise bookmark this idea and try next year!
UFE / WeAreUFE / Urban Farming Education
