maizebeanssquash

Maizebeanssquash is a traditional triad of crops, namely maize (corn), beans, and squash, cultivated together as a companion planting system. The term is often used to describe the Three Sisters, a farming practice developed by Indigenous peoples of North America.

In this guild, maize provides tall stalks for beans to climb; beans fix atmospheric nitrogen and enrich soil fertility; and squash spreads along the ground to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and shade the soil to reduce erosion.

Historically, many Indigenous communities in eastern and central North America practiced this method, including Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and neighboring peoples. The three crops are typically grown together in mounded beds: corn at the center, beans planted to climb the corn, and squash around the perimeter, creating a layered, efficient garden bed that supports yield and resilience.

Planting and care are guided by local climate and soil conditions. Warm-season crops are started after danger of frost, with careful spacing to allow for vine growth; companions help optimize light, nitrogen, and moisture use. The system is naturally suited to organic or low-input farming and can adapt to modern garden plots and permaculture designs.

In contemporary horticulture, the Three Sisters concept informs intercropping and sustainable design beyond its Indigenous origins. While specific cultivars vary by region, the core principle remains: cooperation among complementary crops can increase production, soil health, and biodiversity with relatively simple management.