COMPANION planting

Companion planting. What is that? Its putting compatible plants together in a bed for each others benefit. Ever hear of the 3 sisters garden? This is a classic companion planting model. It is commonly known within the native American culture. The 3 sisters garden consists of corn, beans and squash. No specific varieties are named primarily because there are so many varieties of all three.

I am planning on growing a 3 sisters garden this year. First, I will plant the corn and their stalks will become the skeleton of the garden. Once the corn has a good start the beans will be planted. Corn is a heavy nitrogen feeder and as the beans begin to sprout they will pull nitrogen from the air and store it in nodules within their roots. Its through these nodules the corn is able to access the nitrogen it needs to boost its rapid growth. In exchange the corn lends itself as support for the beans.

After the beans are planted the squash will be sown. The squash is a low growing vining plant with large leaves. It will stretch out and cover the bed providing shade low to the ground helping keep moisture in the soil. Some squash vines will also climb the corn stalks.

Planned correctly, the harvest can be done at the same time. This of course depends on the varieties of each of the sisters: dried corn, dried beans and winter squash.

You can use companion planting in your home gardens. What grows well with tomatoes? What plants are susceptible to disease and insects that can be curbed by a companion plant? Here at Your Garden Sage, we can help you with a planting plan for optimal companion growing and a rich harvest.