The “three sisters” method comes from old beliefs based on the belief that some plants interact with each other in an almost magical way. It consisted in combining three different species so that they support each other with their growth and development. First, this method was used in corn, beans and pumpkin, and then also with tomatoes, and we will focus on them in this article.
We consider “three sisters”, climbing beans or peas, as well as pumpkin or zucchini. The American principle of growing these vegetables is to place them next to each other, on one bed. Then it will work like a small ecosystem in which plants help each other in growth.
For this purpose, we place the tomato seedling in the hole with a depth of 30 cm. His stalk is covered with soil half, thanks to which we will stimulate the development of additional roots.
On the same support, we sow the seeds of climbing beans or peas. These plants will not compete with tomato, and will start to fertilize it naturally. On their roots live papillary bacteria that bind nitrogen from the air and enrich the soil, thanks to which other specimens can grow better.
We also sow a pumpkin or zucchini on the same bed. Their wide leaves protect the Earth, protect it against excessive water evaporation and limit weed growth.
The “three sisters” method will not only work in the case of tomatoes. It can also be used for other plants, i.e. pepper, eggplant or cabbage. Thanks to this cultivation, there will be better development of the roots, and the leaves will have a darker color. In addition, they will become more resistant to all diseases.
Such a symbiotic system is conducive to faster yield and higher quality collections. In addition, the demand for synthetic fertilizers will not be so large. It is worth remembering that thanks to this cultivation we will save a lot of space in the garden.
Also read:
Americans use natural fish fertilizer when growing “three sisters”. Their remains contain a lot of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and calcium. There is a slow release of these minerals, in line with the growth of plants. Therefore, they develop and spend large yields faster.
We do not have to use whole fish to prepare natural fertilizer. We can use kitchen residues, i.e. head, bones, guts or skins. So we bury them in a hole with a depth of 15 cm (they must be under young roots). Do not do this shallower, because there will be burns of plants and the release of the smell of attracting animals.
In addition, we recommend adding to heavy, loamy sawdust or dry leaves that minimize the risk of rot. In turn, the introduction of organic material rich in carbon has a positive effect on soil balance and accelerates the process of decomposing organic substances.
