Three Sisters Guild

Plant in traditional mounds with corn in the center, beans spiraling around the corn, and squash spreading between mounds. Use 4-5 corn plants per mound, with 2-3 bean plants and 1-2 squash plants. Space mounds 4 feet apart in all directions.

Plant in mounds 18-24 inches in diameter, raised 4-6 inches. Space mounds 4 feet apart. Each mound should contain 4-5 corn plants (center), 3-4 bean plants (around corn once it's 6 inches tall), and 2 squash plants on opposite sides of the mound.

Plant corn first when soil temperature reaches 60°F. When corn is 6 inches tall, plant beans. One week later, plant squash. For continuous harvest, stagger plantings of beans every 2 weeks. For squash, plant early, mid, and late season varieties.

Water deeply once a week. Side dress with compost mid-season. Monitor for pests regularly - hand remove squash bugs and cucumber beetles. Mulch heavily between mounds. Support corn with hilling soil around stalks as they grow.

From a 20'x20' plot (approximately 16-20 mounds): 45-60 lbs of corn, 30-40 lbs of beans, and 80-100 lbs of squash in a good season.

This high-production approach requires fertile soil and consistent watering. Consider growing a few sunflowers at the north end of the plot to provide additional support for climbing beans and to attract pollinators.

Arrange in 2-3 parallel rows of mounds with north-south orientation for maximum sun exposure. Incorporate companion plants like sunflowers at row ends and nasturtiums between mounds for pest control and additional yields.

Space mounds 3-4 feet apart within rows, with rows 5 feet apart. Each mound should contain 3-4 corn plants, 2-3 bean plants, and 1 squash plant. Add marigolds or nasturtiums around the perimeter.

Start corn indoors 2-3 weeks before last frost for earlier harvest. Succession plant beans every 3 weeks for continuous harvest. Choose squash varieties with different maturation dates.

Apply compost tea monthly. Mulch with straw to reduce watering needs. Remove spent plants immediately and replace with cover crops at end of season. Rotate the guild location each year if space allows.

From a 15'x20' plot: 30-40 lbs of corn, 20-25 lbs of beans, and 40-60 lbs of squash, plus additional herbs and flowers for culinary use and beneficial insects.

This balanced approach emphasizes diversity and soil health alongside yields. Increase pollinator plants if fruit set seems low. Try adding annual herbs like basil and cilantro between mounds.

Plant in blocks rather than traditional mounds. Corn is planted in a grid pattern (8-12 inches apart), with pole beans sown throughout and winter squash (not summer squash) around the perimeter. This creates a self-supporting ecosystem that requires minimal intervention.

Plant corn in a grid with 12-inch spacing, 4-5 rows deep and wide. Sow beans throughout after corn is established. Plant squash only on the southern and eastern edges to prevent overtaking other plants.

Single planting only. Choose longer-storing varieties: flint corn or flour corn rather than sweet corn, dry beans rather than snap beans, and winter squash varieties that store well for 3+ months (like butternut or Hubbard).

Deep water once at planting and again when corn tassels. Mulch heavily at planting time with 4+ inches of straw. No fertilization needed if starting with good soil. Allow some plants to self-seed for next year.

From a 15'x15' plot: 20-30 lbs of corn for grinding, 15-20 lbs of dry beans, and 30-50 lbs of winter squash that will store through winter.

This approach focuses on staple crops that store well rather than fresh eating. Perfect for busy gardeners or those looking to produce substantial calories with minimal time investment. Plant, mulch heavily, and largely forget until harvest time.