Cultivating Diversity: Expanding My Three Sisters Garden into my Humble Backyard Patch

What started out as a simple experiment on growing a backyard three sisters garden, turned into a much larger project. I have throughly enjoyed my time outside working in my garden and all the natural motion it involved.

When I first ventured into my three sisters gardening trials, I embraced the simplicity and synergy of the Native American Three Sisters method, planting different varieties corn, beans, and squash together. This initial setup was a learning experience that inspired me to expand my efforts into a larger, more diverse garden. Here’s how I transformed a modest plot into a planned tapestry of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Initial Setup with the Three Sisters

My garden journey began with the Three Sisters, a time-tested companion planting system that uses corn, beans, and squash. I chose a sunny location in my backyard, prepared the soil with compost and organic material to ensure fertility and good drainage, and laid out my garden with precision:

• Corn was planted first to ensure it would provide adequate support for the beans.
• Beans were sown around the corn a few weeks later, chosen for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which supports the growth of all three crops.
• Squash seeds followed, planted to sprawl around the base of the corn and beans, shading the soil and reducing weed growth.

Expanding Beyond the Basics

Encouraged by the success of my first planting, I decided to expand my garden. I made two separate larger plots and introduced a variety of other plants and seeds, aiming to create a vibrant and productive garden:

• Tomatoes and a variety of peppers were added for their usefulness in cooking. I planted these in rows, with stakes and cages to support the tomatoes as they grew.
• Watermelons (two varieties) found a place along the edges of the garden, where there was ample space for them to sprawl without encroaching on the other plants.
• Marigolds were strategically placed around the perimeter and among the tomatoes and peppers to naturally deter pests with their aromatic flowers.
• Leek, bok choy, and herbs such as mint and rosemary were interspersed to maximize space and complement the existing crops. The herbs also helped in repelling certain pests and attracting beneficial insects.
• Edamame (soybeans) was another legume choice, planted to enrich the soil like the beans in the Three Sisters setup.
• Carrots were directly sowed in the garden because they do not transplant well. I planted two different varieties.
• Strawberries was the one of the few fruits I planted in the garden. I grew up in the Strwberry Capital of the World, so I felt it necessary to have strawberries in my garden.
• Lettuce and cabbage were planted in many varieties because we use quite a bit for salads, bowls, burritos and such.
• Eggplant was chosen just as an experiment because I found both a black beauty and a white eggplant and I have never had a white eggplant.

I also planted some more herbs in my cold frame box to include Basil, Cilantro, Chives and Green Onions. I have a planter with Gold Potatoes as well as a planter with an Avocado Tree that I started inside last winter (although it has not been doing very well since I transferred it outside; so I might need to start a new one).

Soil and Water Management

With a larger garden, managing soil health and irrigation became more critical. I enriched the soil with additional soil and soil conditioner (you can see the products used below). I used simple waterhoses with sprinklers on spikes and a timer.

Layout Considerations

Planning the layout was essential to avoid overcrowding and to ensure each plant received enough sunlight, water, and nutrients. I did my best to group plants with similar needs together. My layout was designed to allow easy access for maintenance and harvesting.

Reflecting on the Expansion

This garden has already become more than just a place to grow food—it’s a sanctuary. Starting with the Three Sisters and expanding to include a diverse array of crops has provided me with natural movement, something to be proud of, and a little piece of heaven. The garden is a constant source of joy, learning, and connection to the environment.

This expansion from a simple Three Sisters garden to a large and diverse garden plot has been a fulfilling journey. Each new plant added to the mix has brought its own set of challenges and rewards, contributing to the garden’s success and my growth as a gardener.

Below are most of the items that I purchased for the completion of the expansion:

I ordered the following from Sweet Corn Organic Nursery

• MegaVeggie Vegan Fertilizer
• Jalapeno M Heirloom Certified- Pepper Seeds
• Poblano L Heirloom Pepper Seeds
• Ancho Pepper Seeds
• Sugar Baby Heirloom Watermelon Seeds
• San Marzano Redorta Heirloom Tomato Seeds
• San Marzano Nano Heirloom Tomato Seeds
• Heirloom Leek Seeds
• Marigold Heirloom Seeds             
• Mint Heirloom Herb Seeds
• Rosemary Heirloom Herb Seeds

I ordered more seeds from True Leaf Market

• Bean Seeds – Edamame – BeSweet
• Cabbage Seeds – Pak Choi – Extra Dwarf
• Cabbage Seeds – Pak Choi – Nabi Queen – Dwarf Hybrid
• Sectional Hydroponic Microgreens Starter Kit
• Corn Seeds – Sweet – Stowells Evergreen
• Blue Lake Pole Beans Seeds
• Pinto Bean Seeds
• Blue Hopi Corn Seeds
• Trucker’s Favorite White Corn Seeds
• Golden Delicious Winter Squash Seeds
• Cushaw Green Striped Winter Squash Seeds

I picked up the following seeds and starter plants from Lowes

• Sweet Potato Starter Plants
• Mammoth Jalepeno Starter Plant
• Habenero Starter Plant
• Sweet Red Bell Pepper Starter Planter
• Black Water Melon Starter Plant
• White Eggplant Starter Plant
• Black Beauty Eggplant
• Cilantro
• Broccoli (Green Sprouting Calabrese) Seeds **These will be planted later in the season when temperatures are lower
• Broccoli (DeCicco) Seeds **These will be planted later in the season when temperatures are lower
• Carrot (Tendersweet) Seeds
• Carrot (Danvers #126) Seeds
• Tomatillo (Purple) Seeds
• Strawberry (Alpine) Seeds
• Asparagus (Mary Washington) Seeds
• Cabbage (Red Acre) Seeds
• Lettuce (Limestone Bibb) Seeds
• Lettuce (Black Seeded Simpson) Seeds
• Lettuce (Parris Island Romaine) Seeds
• Lettuce (Little Gem Cos) Seeds
• Lettuce (Buttercrunch) Seeds

I ordered the following from Home Depot to prepare the large garden bed

• 42 in. Heavy-Duty Galvanized Tomato Cages
• 2-Outlet Hose Faucet Digital Timer with Convenient Rain Delay Feature Sprinkler and Irrigation Timer
• BEYONDPEAT PROFESSIONAL 1.5CF Bio-Fiber Organic Peat Moss Alternative Soil
• NEARSOURCE ORGANICS All Natural In-Ground Garden Soil
• Mini Oscillator Sprinklers on Step Spike

Looking forward, I am excited about the future possibilities of my garden. Whether introducing new plant varieties, experimenting with different gardening techniques, or expanding further, I know that this green space will continue to be a source of joy, challenge, and discovery. The garden is a testament to the beauty of growth and the endless potential that comes with a bit of soil, seeds, and the spirit to nurture and expand. I am grateful for this green journey and eager to see what new lessons and surprises my garden will unfold in the seasons to come.