The concept of growing “three sisters” in our present-day vegetable gardens is an ancient concept that originated in Mesoamerica.

American Indian legend relates that the three sisters — beans, corn and squash — are inseparable and need one another to thrive in the garden. The beans use the corn for support as they fix nitrogen in the soil, while the large-leafed squash helps minimize weeds and slow the evaporation of moisture from the soil. Most importantly, when cooked and eaten together, the combination of beans, corn and squash provides the necessary amino acids, proteins and vitamins for sufficient nutrition.

I planted a three sisters garden this year in a plot roughly 15 by 15 feet, which turned out to be just barely big enough for the corn to succeed.

The most common method is to plant seeds in the spring (after the last frost) in hills, sowing the corn first. When the corn is about 6 inches tall, you then plant the beans (the pole, or climbing, type) near the base of the corn seedlings. The squash (the vining type is best) is then planted around the groupings of corn and beans.

There are many ways to plant these vegetables together, and I recommend you do a little research to find the best method and plant varieties for your garden. Taking the time to amend the soil before planting will help ensure the best results.

In some cultures, there is a fourth sister. The plants most commonly grown as the fourth sister are sunflowers (planted on the north side of the three sisters garden) and Cleome serrulata, known as Rocky Mountain beeweed or Navajo spinach, a plant that attracts pollinators.

A three sisters garden is a great family project. The plants are easy to grow and offer a fun, educational experience for the whole family.

• UC Certified Master Gardeners are available to answer your gardening questions from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 953-6112. Questions for Heather Hamilton can be submitted to ucmastergardener@gmail.com.