THE THREE SISTERS

I recently read an article about The Three Sisters and was reminded of the first time I read about this many years ago. It has always intrigued me. The Three Sisters is an early Indigenous People’s practice of companion planting of maize (corn), beans and squash (They are called The Three Sisters).

“The maize and beans are often planted together in mounds formed by hilling soil around the base of the plants each year; squash is typically planted between the mounds. Each mound is about (12 in) high and (20 in) wide, and several maize seeds are planted close together in the center of each mound. The three crops benefit by being grown together. The cornstalk serves as a trellis for the beans to climb, the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and their twining vines stabilize the maize in high winds, and the wide leaves of the squash plant shade the ground, keeping the soil moist and helping prevent the establishment of weeds.

Nutritionally, maize, beans, and squash contain all nine essential amino acids as well as complex carbohydrates and essential fatty acids. The protein from maize is further enhanced by protein contributions from beans and pumpkin seeds, while pumpkin flesh provides large amounts of vitamin A. Maize, beans, and squash, whether grown individually or together, have a very long history in the Americas. The process to develop this agricultural knowledge took place over 5,000–6,500 years. Squash was domesticated first, with maize second and beans third. Squash was first domesticated 8,000–10,000 years ago.” (Wikipedia)

The Three Sisters plus meat from wild animals and fish, berries, acorns, pine nuts and various wild plants sustained thousands of people for thousands of years.
I am trying it this year.

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” Jesus