Three Sisters - Corn, Beans, Squash

Corn, beans, and squash grown together were known as the three sisters by native American Indians.

Corn
The tall growing corn produces a large amount of pollen that attracts many beneficial insects. In Havana, Cuba the urban farmers grow corn at the periphery of the garden to attract aphids away from their main crops - read more here, about halfway down.



Beans
Beans take nitrogen from the air and transfer it to the soil so feeding the corn and the squash. The beans will grow up the corn as they reach for the sky.






Squash
The squash's broad leaves cover the ground providing shade for the soil helping to retain water. There are many types of squash of which I'll cover soon in an article!




Technique
Here's a simple overview of how to grow the three sisters plants.

This is an American technique but should be successful in most of Europe. Here's a link to a forum discussion highlighting some problems and a great source of info'.




Sources & Information
Detailed article on 3 sisters growing
I'll cover the 3 plants in their own articles soon!
Companion plant information
Squash picture from Victorian Nursery Site
Corn Picture from the Gardening Association
Bean - french type - picture from Amar seeds