Native Americans all over the U.S. and Canada use a term they call the 3 sisters to describe the Native American way of life through the gardening technique of planting corn, beans and squash together on the same mound.

These 3 sisters - corn, beans and squash supplement and compliment each other. The vines of the bean plant grow up the corn stalk. The huge leaves of the squash vines keep the ground moist for all of the roots. The nutritious vitamins from each of the plants escapes into the soil so that they each benefit from one another.

It is the symbolism of the 3 sisters however, that runs deep in the hearts of many Native Americans, as we understand that we do not stand alone, we support each other, and we can only grow with the assistence of one another.

The story of the Pilgrims and how the Massachusett Indians helped them survive through the first Thanksgiving is a favorite tale, but how many people really think of Native Americans as being farmers? Most of the tribes of the northeast were excellent farmers who grew enough vegetables to support not only themselves, but the first settlers around them through the harsh northern winters.

How to Plant a Three Sisters Garden
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