The Three Sisters (crops)

The Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—are traditional crops grown together by Indigenous peoples. Corn provides a tall structure for beans to climb. Beans fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for nearby plants. Squash spreads along the ground, shading roots and preventing weeds. Growing these together creates a mutually beneficial system that enhances crop yields, conserves soil, and promotes sustainable farming. This polyculture showcases a harmonious, efficient agricultural method that supports soil health and food diversity.