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Companion planting plan

Three Sisters Guild

An ancient Native American companion planting system combining corn, beans, and squash for mutual benefit and maximum yield.

three sisters guild corn beans squash companion planting vegetable guilds

Companion plants

3

USDA zones

3-9

Space needed

Minimum 4x4 feet per mound

Skill level

beginner

What this guild does

The Three Sisters guild is a time-tested polyculture that has sustained communities for thousands of years. Corn provides a natural trellis for beans, which fix nitrogen in the soil. Squash spreads along the ground, shading the soil to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Together, they create a balanced ecosystem that produces complete nutrition.

Plants in this guild

Watercolor field illustration of corn growing with pole beans and winter squash in a Three Sisters garden

Partner 1

Corn

Maximizes space through vertical growing

full-sunmoderate waterzones 3-10

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Watercolor field illustration of pole bean vines climbing corn stalks in a Three Sisters garden

Partner 2

Beans (Pole)

Provides complete protein when eaten together

full-sunmoderate waterzones 3-10

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Watercolor field illustration of winter squash vines under corn and pole beans in a Three Sisters garden

Partner 3

Winter Squash

Improves soil fertility naturally

full-sunmoderate waterzones 3-10

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Planting recipe

Use this guild like a sequence, not a seed mix. Place the anchor plants first, then tuck support species where they solve a spacing, soil, shade, or pest-pressure job.

  1. Corn companion planting step

    Step 1

    Start with the structure: Mounded hills 4 feet apart.

  2. Pole Beans companion planting step

    Step 2

    Use this timing and spacing rule: Plant corn first, beans 2 weeks later, squash with beans.

  3. Winter Squash companion planting step

    Step 3

    Keep the footprint realistic: Minimum 4x4 feet per mound.

  4. Corn companion planting step

    Step 4

    Build mounds 12 inches high for drainage

Layout and spacing

Pattern

Mounded hills 4 feet apart

Spacing

Plant corn first, beans 2 weeks later, squash with beans

Size

Minimum 4x4 feet per mound

Benefits

  • Maximizes space through vertical growing
  • Provides complete protein when eaten together
  • Improves soil fertility naturally
  • Reduces pest pressure
  • Conserves water through ground cover

Maintenance

  • Build mounds 12 inches high for drainage
  • Plant 4-6 corn seeds in center of each mound
  • Add 4 bean seeds around corn when 6 inches tall
  • Plant 2-3 squash seeds at mound edges
  • Water deeply at planting and during dry spells

What can go wrong

  • Crowding the guild beyond minimum 4x4 feet per mound makes harvest, airflow, and watering harder.
  • Plant 4-6 corn seeds in center of each mound
  • Treating a guild like a random mixed bed instead of a timed recipe usually causes one plant to dominate.

Harvest notes

  • Harvest beans regularly for continued production
  • Leave some beans to dry for storage
  • Harvest winter squash after first light frost
  • Corn is ready when silks are brown and dry

Questions people ask

What are the Three Sisters in companion planting?+
The Three Sisters are corn, pole beans, and squash. Corn supports climbing beans, beans add nitrogen, and squash shades the soil as a living mulch.
How much space does a Three Sisters guild need?+
Start with at least one 4-by-4-foot mound or block. Larger blocks pollinate corn more reliably and make the guild easier to manage.
When should I plant the Three Sisters Guild?+
Use the guild timing as the first rule: Plant corn first, beans 2 weeks later, squash with beans. In most gardens, establish the anchor crop first so support plants do not crowd, shade, or outpace it.
What plants are in the Three Sisters Guild?+
This guild uses Corn, Beans (Pole), Winter Squash as the main partners. Each plant should solve a job in the system instead of simply filling empty bed space.
What is the biggest mistake with this guild?+
The biggest mistake is planting it like a random mixed bed. Keep the intended pattern — mounded hills 4 feet apart — and watch spacing, establishment order, and harvest access.