Don tried something new in the garden this year. He planted fifteen sets of the three sisters. This Native American agricultural concept includes growing corn, beans and squash in a close grouping. The corn provides a support for the bean vine to climb, the beans provide nitrogen to the soil for the companion plants to use and the squash plant spreads along the ground to shade out the weeds and to help the soil retain moisture. The concept is good, however employing it is easier said than done. Don carefully timed the staggering of the seed planting to allow the corn to establish before the bean plants needed the stalks for climbing. Germination days and timely moisture are also part of the planning process. All in all, for one of Don’s first attempts, I think the effort will pay off. As a side note, Don planted popcorn as opposed to sweet corn.

Also new to the garden this year is that Don planted basil, cilantro and mint. He will use the basil and cilantro in tomato-based sauces and salsas. The mint will most likely be used for tea. As an added bonus, the white blooms of the basil plants are attracting humming birds.