The “Three Sisters” is a centuries-old agricultural technique developed by Indigenous communities. This sustainable planting method involves growing corn, beans, and squash together in a symbiotic relationship, each benefiting from the others’ presence. Corn provides a natural trellis for the beans to climb, while beans add nitrogen to the soil to nourish the plants, and squash spreads along the ground, acting as a mulch that conserves moisture and prevents weeds.
The Three Sisters embody a holistic approach to farming, emphasizing harmony with the land and ensuring long-term soil fertility. This practice has nourished communities physically for centuries and also represents the interconnectedness of life.
At SweetGrass Trading Company, we celebrate Indigenous traditions like the Three Sisters and are proud to offer products that honor Native agricultural practices. By supporting Native-owned businesses, you’re helping to preserve these time-honored traditions and promote sustainable, ethical food production.
The Three Sisters represent the deep relationship between Indigenous people and the land. For many Native communities, these plants are seen as gifts from the Creator, teaching lessons of cooperation, resilience, and balance.
Beyond their agricultural importance, the Three Sisters hold cultural and spiritual significance. Many Indigenous stories speak of these plants as sisters who work together to provide for the people. Each crop has its own role, but they thrive best when growing side by side—just as people and communities are stronger when they support one another.
At SweetGrass Trading Company, we embrace the values embodied by the Three Sisters—community, sustainability, and balance. By offering products from Native-owned farms and producers who honor these traditions, we invite you to become part of this legacy. Try our Three Sisters Wild Rice Bowl to honor the Three Sisters at home!