On 28 Dec 2003 10:32:40 -0800, (ken cohen)
wrote:

Has anyone had any experience of trying this method, which apparently
was a North American Indian practice. I heard it described on a
gardening programme today as growing sweetcorn, runner beans and
courgettes/cucumbers/marrow together in the same bed to the benefit of
each. Apparently you start the sweetcorn off first, then when it has
gained a bit of height, you sow the runnerbeans, which then climb up
the sweetcorn, and then you sow your courgettes/cucumbers which can do
quite well in the environment thereby created for them.

I wonder if there are other examples of growing crops together for
mutual benefit?

Corn & beans together are a common practice here (USA), for obvious
reasons. The corn stalk provides a 'trellis' for beans, which don't
strangle the fast-growing corn. I don't see where squash and cucumbers
come into it. Perhaps vining cucumbers? Although the fruit is a lot
heavier than that of a bean vine. Squash requires a lot more area
(and sun) than could be found at the bottom of corn stalks.

Ahhh. I think I see the light. Corn, beans (dried), and squash are
staples of Native American growing and eating. Corn & beans together
make a complete protein, and squash can't hurt. :-) Beans are
nitrogen-fixing plants, and corn likes nitrogen to nourish all those
leaves. Squash may do well in soil last used for beans, but unlikely
to do well in the shade of corn plants.

"Companion planting" usually touts the benefits of
attracting/discouraging insects, but IMHO has mostly to do with with
plants that enjoy similar conditions. Another poster mentioned
tomatoes and basil -- they both do best in full-sun, warm locations,
and are certainly companions at the dinner table, but AFAIK they don't
encourage each other in any significant way.