3 Sisters Planting
Planning ahead...
Since it is getting to be mid-May and the weather has finally started to warm up, my mind is starting to focus on the outside and my gardens! I have some great ideas planned for my raised beds which I will share with you on another day, but right now I wanted to turn back the hands of time and show you something I learned a few years ago....it is so cool it even made the back of a US One Dollar coin in 2009!
One of the ways we are resurrecting old ways is falling back on the ancient knowledge of the Native Americans who lived in perfect harmony with nature. They most likely walked our land here in Maine as I heard tell that Winding Hill was actually an old Indian trail that followed along the Kennebec to the Sandy River. It is from their wisdom that I found out about the 3 sisters.
One of the ways we are resurrecting old ways is falling back on the ancient knowledge of the Native Americans who lived in perfect harmony with nature. They most likely walked our land here in Maine as I heard tell that Winding Hill was actually an old Indian trail that followed along the Kennebec to the Sandy River. It is from their wisdom that I found out about the 3 sisters.
It is easy to start. First figure out your hill or mound placement. I would recommend using a hill about 1 1/2 to 2 foot in diameter and about 8 to 10 inches high. I generally pull the soil into the mound shape using a hoe. You will almost create a moat around the mounds as you pull the soil in. Once you have created your mound you will want to firm it into place. You do this by patting down the sides and top with your hands. This firms the soil and creates a nice planting area.
The above photo will give you an idea of size and shape of the mounds. This isn't rocket science so don't worry if some are taller or wider than others. It is all a matter of preference.
The above photo will give you an idea of size and shape of the mounds. This isn't rocket science so don't worry if some are taller or wider than others. It is all a matter of preference.