The Three Sisters Collection

The Three Sisters Collection is a time-honoured planting tradition developed by Indigenous communities across North America. This companion planting method brings together corn, beans, and squash in a symbiotic system where each plant supports the others. Corn grows tall and provides a natural trellis for pole beans to climb, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and squash shades the ground with its large leaves, conserving moisture and suppressing weeds. Beyond their agricultural benefits, these three crops form the foundation of a nutritious and balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins.

Where Can You Grow
This collection adapts well to home gardens, small farms, and community plots. It is particularly suited to growers who want to embrace sustainable gardening practices while learning from the traditional ecological knowledge of Indigenous peoples. The Three Sisters thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun exposure.

History and Historical Uses
The Three Sisters have been grown together for centuries by Indigenous cultures throughout North America. Beyond their agricultural synergy, they carry deep cultural and spiritual significance, representing interdependence, resilience, and gratitude for the harvest. The method was passed down through generations and remains a cornerstone of traditional food sovereignty.

Canadian Zone Information

• Zones 3-5: Start corn seeds indoors before transplanting, and direct sow beans and squash after frost danger has passed.
• Zones 6-7: Direct sow all three crops outdoors after the last frost.
• Zones 8-9: Multiple successions may be possible; plant early for abundant summer and autumn harvests.

How to Grow and Harvest

• Corn: Sow first in mounds or rows. Allow plants to reach 15 cm tall before adding beans and squash.
• Beans: Plant at the base of corn stalks to allow them to climb naturally.
• Squash: Place at the outer edges to sprawl and cover the ground.
• Harvest: Corn is ready when kernels are plump and milky, beans when pods are tender or fully dried (depending on use), and squash when skins harden at maturity.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

• Corn: Save seed from at least 200 plants to maintain genetic diversity; dry thoroughly before storage.
• Beans: Allow pods to dry on the plant; shell and store in a cool, dry place.
• Squash: Select mature fruits from healthy plants, scoop out seeds, rinse, and dry fully before storage.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organic Producers Association (Cert#1962)