Mayan agriculture ‘The three sisters’

Our children investigated different foods grown by the ancient Mayans. (After a trip to the supermarket!) In particular the model of the ‘Three Sisters’

What is the three sister model?

The Three Sisters are represented by corn, beans, and squash. They were an important facet of Indigenous Mayan culture. They were planted in a symbiotic triad where beans were planted at the base of the corn stalks. The stalks offer climbing bean vines support as they reach for sunlight from the earth.

The beans release Nitrogen into the earth boosting growth and the Squash plant leaves are spiky, protecting all the plants from browsing herbivores.

This method even is used today in subsistence farming in parts of Mexico and Guatamala!