BYC gardening thread!!

[lazy gardener]

I tried 3 sisters 2 summers ago, and failed miserably. The squash was stunted, the corn was stunted, and the pole beans turned everything into an impenetrable jungle. But I've heard that others have great results. I think that when the native Americans used this method, all of the crops were meant for fall harvest, so it was not necessary to get in to the patch before a fall harvest of mature squash, and corn and beans that would be dried for winter use. I'd love to hear folks success stories, particularly what cultivars were used, spacing, timing of planting, and any other details that made it successful.

 

[tarahtt]

I tried 3 sisters 2 summers ago, and failed miserably. The squash was stunted, the corn was stunted, and the pole beans turned everything into an impenetrable jungle. But I've heard that others have great results. I think that when the native Americans used this method, all of the crops were meant for fall harvest, so it was not necessary to get in to the patch before a fall harvest of mature squash, and corn and beans that would be dried for winter use. I'd love to hear folks success stories, particularly what cultivars were used, spacing, timing of planting, and any other details that made it successful.

This page (http://www.reneesgarden.com/articles/3sisters.html) has a good description, and an example layout if you scroll to the bottom. I plant my corn along the side of my shed so that I can reach through to the back row when I go to pick my corn. I am going to allow only one bean per corn stalk, and I will be planting the squash far enough apart to prevent over crowding. I am also going to plant a circle of sunflowers with an opening for my kids to use as a "playhouse", and I am going to let some beans run up those sturdy stalks as well.

Can't wait for Spring!

 

[lularat]

Quote:
Is this method just used for pole beans or would running lima beans work as well?

 

[tarahtt]

Quote: Green beans and lima beans come in bush and pole varieties. You will need to find a pole bean type of lima and it should be fine. I'm not sure if runner would work or not. I'm always up for trying new things. Maybe you could try both ways and see if there is a difference.

 

[lazy gardener]

KENTUKY MOM: I found it! St. Lawrence Nurseries carries Gooseberries (Pixwell) For some reason, I can't PM right now. computer has been having a hissy fit. If anyone can PM her, for me, please do!!! Thanks in advance.

 

[KentuckyMom]

Got it! Just sent for a catalog. Hope you can pm soon.

 

[urbanchange90]

The three sisters method worked amazing for me last year! I am doing it again this year for sure.
Today the soil was "workable" so I went out and started to get my double dug raised beds shaped and ready to settle so by the time it's warm enough all I have to do is plant seeds or starts that I have going right now

 

[Bogtown Chick]

I tried Three sisters 2 maybe 3 years ago...and I found the beans not as productive. They grew but IDK...if they just got too long & gangly fighting for sunlight with the big squash leaves or tall corn.
I usually learn things about my style in gardening when I try new things and that is: I think I'm a person who likes things sectioned off and rows cultivatible. Is that a word? LOL. I also did not have my secret weapon--chicken poo in the works then either. LOL. What a difference this new compost I have makes. Maybe I'll try it again....maybe not.

One thing on my Garden to-try list is Potato towers or cages with straw and dirt. That and the cattle panels... woot woot. Now I just need to get that 4 feet of snow melted out of my garden...Good gravy.

Other Gardening projects I'm looking forward to is a bit of landscaping around the coop. Can't hardly wait for that actually...

 

[lazy gardener]

Does 4 feet of melted snow + good garden soil = good gravy?

 

[Bogtown Chick]

I suspect so Lazy Gardener...LOL. The trick lately though is getting the 4 feet to melt.

Witty. LOL.