How About This Growing Idea? / myLot

@celticeagle (191235)

Boise, Idaho

July 9, 2026 3:22pm CST

How about pairing beans and peas with corn to provide natural support to climbing vines. I had never heard of this before. The tall corn acts as a natural trellis. To avoid damaging young corn, wait to plant beans and peas until the corn has grown to about 6 to 8 inches tall. Be sure to use pole beans as they are natural climbers. Bush beans do not need the support.

5 people like this

5 responses

NJ Chicaa

@NJChicaa (127326)

• United States

9 Jul

There's a 3rd plant traditionally included. . . I can't remember what. Maybe squash. I think it is a Native American thing.

3 people like this

celticeagle

@celticeagle (191235)

• Boise, Idaho

9 Jul

Perhanps so. I guess any one that needed something to grow on. I thought it a cool idea.

2 people like this

NJ Chicaa

@NJChicaa (127326)

• United States

9 Jul

@celticeagle Yes it is squash. The method is called "The Three Sisters"

https://www.nal.usda.gov/collections/stories/three-sisters

www.nal.usda.gov

https://www.nal.usda.gov/collections/stories/three-sisters

2 people like this

celticeagle

@celticeagle (191235)

• Boise, Idaho

@NJChicaa ........I see. Thanks. I hadn't heard of it before, thought it was a cool idea and wanted to share it here incase others hadn't either.

1 person likes this

Heather Echola

@GardenGerty (169969)

• United States

9 Jul

This is part of what the Native Americans refer to as the "Three Sisters". Peas require cooler weather, so it was beans planted to climb corn and squash or pumpkins at the base to shade the roots.Like @NJChicaa said

3 people like this

celticeagle

@celticeagle (191235)

• Boise, Idaho

Cool. I hadn't seen this before.