BauerCombs Landscape Architecture									 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	      

  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • ABOUT
    • TEAM
    • PROCESS
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • FAQ >
      • BauerCombs COVID-19 update
  • DESIGN GALLERY
  • GUIDES
    • Luxury Landscapes Defined
    • SEMINARS
  • GET STARTED
    • PHONE VISIT
    • CONSULTATION PACKAGE
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • ABOUT
    • TEAM
    • PROCESS
    • TESTIMONIALS
    • FAQ >
      • BauerCombs COVID-19 update
  • DESIGN GALLERY
  • GUIDES
    • Luxury Landscapes Defined
    • SEMINARS
  • GET STARTED
    • PHONE VISIT
    • CONSULTATION PACKAGE
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT

Celebrating Three Sisters in the Garden: Corn, Beans, and Squash

11/8/2017

Comments

 
Northwest vegetable garden
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, many of us plan on having turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.  This year, how about celebrating Thanksgiving by inviting three sisters (corn, beans, and squash) to the table? 
 
This garden trio has been used by Native Americans to grow sustainable food sources for centuries and is increasing in popularity for northwest urban gardens (and mine as well).
 
How does it work?
  • The tall corn stalks provide a natural structure for the beans to climb on. 
  • The beans climb up and out of the way of trailing squash vines.
  • The large squash leaves cover the soil to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
 
Soil sustainability
While beans help to stabilize the tall corn stalks during heavy winds, they also provide nitrogen to help fertilize the soil.
Balanced food source
Although a balanced diet is relatively readily available today, the Three Sisters (corn, beans, and squash) had a vital importance to a healthy diet for native peoples. The corn provided carbohydrates, dried beans provided protein and amino acids, and squash offered a variety of vitamins and minerals.
 
When to plant for northwest gardens
Plant corn seeds in late spring when the soil begins to warm.  Next, plant bean seeds 2 -3 weeks later (or when the corn is 4” tall).  Squash seeds are the last to be planted about one week after the beans have emerged. 
 
Be sure that your garden receives a minimum of 6 hours of sun per day (more is better)!  Select seed varieties that do well in your area and choose organic or heirloom varieties if available.  Most important, have fun growing your own Three Sisters vegetable garden and find a few kids to get involved! 
 
Please donate to your local food bank
Thanksgiving and holidays are a difficult time for many families and individuals.  If you can, please donate to your local food bank, thank you.
 
About BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. - Landscape Architects
Our award-winning landscape architecture firm creates fun and entertaining landscapes throughout the Northwest, Seattle, and Eastside areas since 1991.  With an emphasis on sensory design and eco-friendly practices, we provide creative problem-solving and innovative designs that embrace outdoor spaces and enjoyment.  Based out of North Bend, Washington, our work has been published in several magazines and continues to grow in reputation for creating healthy outdoor environments for people and communities. 


Author:  Susan Combs Bauer.  Copyright © 2017 BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved.  www.bauercombs.com  (425) 496-7772
Comments

    Blog Theme

    BauerCombs News + Landscape Garden Design Tips with Susan.

    Author

    Susan Combs Bauer, Landscape Architect www.bauercombs.com

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    We would love to hear from you.  Please say hello and send us a message!.   

    Archives

    January 2022
    October 2021
    June 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    September 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    June 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015

COMPANY
HOME
ABOUT
DESIGN GALLERY
GET STARTED
CONTACT US
BLOG

SEMINARS
PHONE & ADDRESS
(425) 496-7772
BauerCombs & Associates, Inc.
PO Box 580
North Bend, WA  98045
GOOD TO KNOW
FEATURED PROJECTS
FAQ
OUR PROCESS
RESOURCE LINKS
Picture
Picture
Picture
Copyright through 2023  BauerCombs & Associates, Inc. Landscape Architecture, all rights reserved.