Three Sisters (Corn, Beans, Squash)

The Three Sisters—corn, beans, and squash—are a traditional trio of crops planted together by Indigenous peoples of North America. Corn provides a tall structure for beans to climb, beans fix nitrogen in the soil helping all three plants grow healthily, and squash spreads along the ground, suppressing weeds and retaining moisture. This companion planting creates a symbiotic system that enhances growth, improves soil health, and maximizes harvests. The Three Sisters exemplify sustainable agriculture by working together naturally, demonstrating an intelligent understanding of plant relationships and resource sharing.