Native American Gardening Techniques
The first plants to be grown by Native Americans were squash, corn and beans. (See Reference 1) These three plants were referred to as the 3 sisters and were usually planted at the same time either in late spring or early summer. (See Reference 1) This Native American gardening technique ensured that the soil fertility was maintained and also the companion planting helped the planted plants to flourish. |
The method of planting squash, corn and beans together helped to keep pests away, reduce the number of weeds and also helped to keep the soil moist. While modern technology has improved gardening techniques, the 3 sister planting technique is used even today by people all over the world.
According to Native American folklore, the three sisters were living in field and every time a Mohawk boy went into the field, one sister would vanish. This caused the last remaining sister to feel sad. On seeing the sister sad, the boy put all the sisters back into the field and this helped them become strong. According to another Iroquois legend, the Sky woman fell from the sky and on landing on Earth, the woman became pregnant and had a girl. This girl grew up and also became pregnant. After giving birth, the daughter died. The Sky woman buried the daughter and from the grave the 3 sister came forth.
Native American gardening techniques involve farming during the spring and summer seasons, while animals were hunted during the harsh cold months of winter. They used fish, ashes of trees, swamp plants, manure and leaf mold to fertilize the plants and crops they grew. The Native Americans did not use animals to help them farm. Instead they used rakes, hoes and digging sticks made from tree limbs, bones and deer antlers. (See Reference 1)
If you want to follow the Native American gardening techniques to grow squash, corn and beans, then you should plant them in the month of June when the temperature in the night is around 50 deg F. You should be looking to plant runner or pole beans, squash vines and tall corn plants. The area should get around six to eight hours of sunlight everyday. (See Reference 1) The corn should be planted first after the corn plants attain a height of 4 inches, the squash and beans should be planted. In addition, ensure that the land is free of weeds. (See Reference 1) Weeding should continue until the squash has bloomed.
Using the Native American gardening techniques you can have a better yield of vegetables in your kitchen garden. If you do not know too much about these techniques, it is about time you broaden your knowledge base.
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If you are fond of gardening, it makes sense to grow your own organic vegetables rather than buying vegetables that are commercially grown with the help of inorganic fertilizers. If you follow organic vegetable gardening tips, you will also be able to save money on gas as you no longer would have to drive down to the grocery store. 
