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Sweetcorn spacing in raised beds

2

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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    I think the 3 Sisters planting method probably works best with trailing rather than bush type squash/courgettes. 
    We did it accidentally one year when the pattypan squash plants spread into the sweetcorn patch. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • the three sister is not for summer squash, sweet corn
    and fresh climbing beans. the three sister is meant for 
    drying of three veg for storing. not for harvesting for
    fresh eating.


  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Ever adaptable and coming up with new ways of doing things … that’s us Brits … no one can accuse us of being stuck in the past 😉 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    Hey Ho.....  :p

    "The Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash) have been planted by traditional Native American gardeners in many different regions of North America. Although many different Native American people have adopted this traditional gardening technique, it originated with the Haudenosaunee (hah-dee-no-shownee), or "People of the Longhouse".

    The traditional Three Sisters garden forms an ecosystem by creating a community of plants and animals. This system creates a beneficial relationship between the three plants- each plant helps the others grow. This is a form of companion planting.

    Modern day agriculturists know it as the genius of the Indians, who interplanted pole beans and squash with corn, using the strength of the sturdy corn stalks to support the twining beans and the shade of the spreading squash vines to trap moisture for the growing crop. Research has further revealed the additional benefits of this "companion planting.'' The bacterial colonies on the bean roots capture nitrogen from the air, some of which is released into the soil to nourish the high nitrogen needs of the corn. To Native Americans, however, the meaning of the Three Sisters runs deep into the physical and spiritual well-being of their people. Known as the "sustainers of life," the Iroquois consider corn, beans and squash to be special gifts from the Creator. The well-being of each crop is believed to be protected by one of the Three Sister Spirits. Many an Indian legend has been woven around the "Three Sisters" - sisters who would never be apart from one another- sisters who should be planted together, eaten together and celebrated together.

    There is an abundance of folklore, stories, and history surrounding Three Sisters gardening:"

    https://www.nsuok.edu/heritage/three-sisters-legend.aspx#:~:text=The well-being of each,eaten together and celebrated together.


    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    And when we’ve grown them together here’s an American recipe showing how to cook and eat them together 
    https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/250780/three-sisters-succotash/

    😋 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    Succotash - well I never knew it was a dish. Thought it meant something like 'darn it' - which toon used to shout 'Suffering succotash'? Was it Yogi Bear? Donald Duck?
    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited May 2023
    Sylvester and Tweety Pie says my OH. 🤣 

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4IGynnluDKo

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
     :D that's it, that's brought back memories of a more innocent time 😂 thank you 
    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
  • Busy-Lizzie how did space the plants in the three sisters and which
     varieties of beans, corn and squash did you plant?

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    I can't remember, it was a few years ago. The squash was a small butternut, seeds bought in England, so were the bean seeds. They are hard to find here. I live in France, the varieties have different names and the French don't grow English style runner beans. Hard to find all the different types of kale and broccoli here too. Much more variety in England. But since Brexit you aren't allowed to take English seeds or plants to France.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
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