Native Learning Garden

The Three Sisters:

Indigenous Companion Planting

Corn, Beans and Squash

The three sisters is a traditional indigenous agricutlural planting practice used by the Haudenosaunee and other Indigenous peoples in North America. Beans, corn and squash work together to produce food Corn is planted in the center and offers support for pole beans. The beans add nitrogen to soil enriching it for the other plants and also vining their way around to keep the sisters together. The large leaves from the squash around the edge shades the soil to keep it cool and minimize weeds and other pests.

Beans pinspinspinspinspins

(Phaseolus coccineus )

Scarlett Runner beans are grown as annuals and planted by seed in the early spring. They contribute to the garden by producing edible pods (beans) and seeds which can be eaten fresh or dried. They provide nitrogen for the soil, and are used in companion planting. The red flowers act as pollinators attracting birds, beeds and other insects.
Soil - prefer well-drained soil with normal fertility, and mostly silty loam or clay making them great for Zone 6.
Light - require full sun for 6-8 hours a day
Water - Avoid overhead watering can cause disease and ensure water goes to the roots not the leaves
Maximum growth - 8-10 feet vertical (corn provide the trellis for the beans)
Uses of the plant - green beans are a delicious vegetable, rich in vitamins and fiber. They can help lower cholesterol and help your digestive system work smoothly.

Corn lípliʔlípliʔlípliʔ

(Zea mays)

Corn are grown as annuals and are grown from seed in the spring. They contribute to the garden by producing corn to eat and seeds for future planting. It takies on a key role in the three sisters planting method by ptoviding a pole for the beans to grow up. Corn can also act as a natural windbreak and canopy for other plants in the garden.
Soil - Corn has deep roots that help improve the soil structure and prevent eroison. Plants require well-draining, nutrient rich soil.
Light - Corn need a lot of sunlight , with a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Water - Requires regular watering with a thorough watering once a week.
Maximum growth - Most corn stalks can grow up to 8 feet
Uses of the plant - Corn is a yummy vegetable, that is delicious just on the cob or as popcorn. It s often used as animal feed. Corn is often used in industrial materials.

Squash

(Cucurbita pepo)

Squash are grown as annuals and are planted from seed in the spring. They contribute to the garden by providing shade for the soil from the sprawling vines and broad leaves. This also helps to retain moisture, supress weed growth and reduce soil eroison. It is for this reason that they play a ke role in the three sisters planting method. Their large, bright yellow flowers act as great pollinator for bees. After harvest, the leaves and vines can be used in compost.
Soil- Squash like rich, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to help prevent root rot. Loam or sandy loam are best.
Light - Squash need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Water - Squah need to be watered often to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
Maximum growth - They grow to a height of 1-2 feet and have a spread of 2-3 feet.
Uses of the plant - Squash is a nutrious vegetable often used in soups, stews and baked goods. They are high in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. The seeds can be roasted and eaten as well. Squash flowers are also edible. Squash are also used as decorations.

nsyilxcən names from First Voices

Plant information retrieved from:

First Peoples’ Cultural Council. (n.d.). Beans [Nsyilxcn word]. FirstVoices. Retrieved July 17, 2025, from https://www.firstvoices.com/nsyilxcen/search?q=beans&domain=both&types=word%2Cphrase%2Csong%2Cstory

First Peoples’ Cultural Council. (n.d.). Corn [Nsyilxcn word]. FirstVoices. Retrieved July 17, 2025, from https://www.firstvoices.com/nsyilxcen/search?q=corn&domain=both&types=word%2Cphrase%2Csong%2Cstory

Xeriscape Endemic Nursery & Ecological Restoration. (n.d.). Species information. https://www.xeriscapenursery.ca/species-information

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