Planting Seeds
Welcome to SEEDS OF FRIENDSHIP
You are probably wondering what to do with the seeds you received. Each seed has its own bounty and wisdom to offer, so check out what you got!
First, look at the number written on your seed packet and then look up your seeds on this key:
A) The planting pattern as laid out on the strawbale design replicates the traditional Wampanoag planting pattern. It can be used in a raised bed or mounds on the ground. |
B) Even if you have only a little balcony space to spare or a small porch you can plant some seeds in a 5 gal bucket. |
C) Build a raised bed and plant your seeds later adding hoops and succession planting with greens to extend your harvest season into winter.  |
D) This garden is built with 8 straw bales which creates a 4.5ft by 4.5ft garden space. |
This would be a traditional pattern that you could replicate in a raised bed or mounds on the ground.
Visit our Facebook group or YouTube channel for related videos
Resources: https://www.communityseednetwork.org/resources
Additional information about the 3 Sisters
The Three Sisters have been planted by Native American peoples for centuries. When colonial settlers came to North America the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) and Wampanoag were some of the peoples that taught them this method of planting. This gift of knowledge from these original inhabitants allowed the settlers to provide for themselves and survive during those early years in the New World. When planted together these plants demonstrate symbiotic relationships that improve the growth and health of each of the Sisters.
“Sister Bean” – Deposits nitrogen into the soil for use by “Sister Corn” and “Sister Squash”. Plant beans when corn is approximately 6 in. tall. Use only pole beans, bush beans will not climb up the corn stalks.
“Sister Corn” - Provides support for Sister Bean vines to climb, and shade for Sister Bean and Sister Squash.
“Sister Squash” – The large leaves of Sister Squash shade the ground to help maintain a moist growing environment for all the Sisters.
--- Additionally, a fourth Sister such as the sunflower, amaranth, or bee balm can be included to help draw in pollinators and lure birds away from Sister Corn.
Planting Methods
Wampanoag Method:
This is the method that was taught by the Wampanoag works well in regions with wet summers. In the Wampanoag Method seeds are planted in low wide mounds that are roughly 18 in. in diameter. The diagrams below show the spacing and organization of the three Sisters. Figure 2 shows the basic unit for a Wampanoag Method style garden. Depending on the amount of seeds and space you have you can have multiple sections as shown in Figure 2 to make up your garden.
Zuni Waffle Garden Method:
As used by the Zuni people of the Southwest, the Zuni Waffle Garden Method works best in arid regions. Each Zuni “Waffle” is surrounded by a border approximately 4-6 in. in height. The borders of the waffle will help to hold precious water near the seeds and plants. For the diagram below each waffle is 12 in. X 12 in. The number of 3 sister Zuni Waffles you be able to build will depend on the amount of seeds and space you have for your garden.
As a general rule 2-3 seeds should be planted in each hole for each of the species. Once viable seeds grow, each location can be thinned to one or two plants depending on nutrient and water availability.
For more information YouTube has several videos that describe the Three Sister planting method very well. The websites below are also great sources of information regarding Three Sister Planting and heirloom/landrace seed varieties.
Have fun planting this Spring and may your “Three Sisters” garden provide good food and nourishment for your friends and families!
Try some of these recipes with squash and beans
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