On 26 Apr 2009 23:54:50 GMT, General Schvantzkoph
wrote:

On Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:41:09 -0600, Suzanne D. wrote:

"General Schvantzkoph" wrote in message
...
I was at Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth, Mass on Cape Code) yesterday and
saw something interesting in the Wampanoug village. They plant multiple
crops in mounds rather than single crops in furrows as we do. They
plant 12 seeds to a mound, 4 corn, 4 bean and 4 melons. Corn is a
nitrogen using crop, beans are a nitrogen fixing crop so they are
symbiotic. Also it occurs to me that the corn stalk would provide a
good pole for the beans. I'm thinking of using this technique this
year, the theory makes a lot of sense.
Has anyone tried this technique?

I am trying the Three Sisters now. Can't vouch for it yet, but I have
heard it's about as close to a perfect growing system as you can get.
Just be sure to plant the beans and squash long after the corn. Wait
until the corn is 4-6 inches tall so it has a fair chance before the
faster-growing bens and squash take over.
-S.

That's what I'm planning on doing, wait until the corn is 6 inches high
and then plant the other crops. I'll also plant marigolds in between the
corn hills. Marigolds attract beneficial insects.

You mentioned not liking squash in an earlier post. I'm not in NE, but
my most successful Three Sisters garden I grew Baby Bear Pumpkins -
they mature pretty early. Very cute. I probably got the seed from
Johnny's Selected Seeds in ME. They can most likely advise you on what
will grow in your area.

http://www.johnnyseeds.com/

Kate