Cool Projects
Grow an Iriquois “Three Sisters” Container Garden
(This project is from “The Three Sisters: Exploring an Iroquois Garden” by Marcia Eames-Sheavly, a Cornell Cooperative Extension Publication)
In a three sisters planting, the three plants benefit one another. Corn provides support for beans which should climb the corn stalks as they grow. Beans, like other legumes, have bacteria living on their roots that help them absorb nitrogen from the air and convert it to a form that plants can use. The corn, which requires a lot of nitrogen to grow, benefits most. The large, prickly squash leaves shade the soil, preventing weed growth, and deter animal pests. The three sisters also complement each other nutritionally. Many Native American stories, customs, celebrations, and ceremonies are associated with them.
You will need: a large container (such as a 5-gallon bucket), gravel, potting soil, seeds (5 corn, 2 squash, 4 beans), water, and a sunny area.
First place two inches of gravel in the bottom of your container. Then add two inches of soil mixed with some more gravel.
Next fill the container with soil until the soil is two inches from the top of the container and moisten completely.
Take a look at the planting chart below for a suggested seed planting pattern. Plant the corn seeds first! Soak the corn seeds for about six hours before planting. Plant the seeds about 1 1/2 inches deep and keep the soil moist. Wait until the corn plants are at least 12 inches high, then plant the bean and squash seeds about 1 1/2 inches deep in the soil.
Click the planting chart image to enlarge it.
Remember to water your garden to keep it moist (but not soaked!). The soil should stick to your finger when you touch it. Place your Three Sisters container garden in an area that will receive about six hours of sunlight each day.