Here some info/links to help
Growing the Three Sisters
The Three Sisters refers both to an agricultural practice of the Iroquoian Amerindians and to one of their most important legends. The Iroquoians considered corn, beans and squash to be sacred plants responsible for their physical and spiritual survival. They planted the corn on a small pile of dirt along with the beans which used the cornstalk as a support. The squash grew at the foot of these plants and, because they take up quite a bit of space, they watered the two other plants by keeping humidity in the ground. The Iroquoians knew some 15 different varieties of corn, 60 types of beans and eight different types of squash, including the pumpkin.
"Three sisters grow together in a farmer’s field. The sisters are close and protect one another. The first sister, standing straight and tall, provides support for the second sister.The second sister is a climber. She adds nitrogen to the soil, feeding and nourishing the other two. The third sister covers the soil with broad leaves, preventing weeds from growing. In these ways, each sister helps the others. The sisters grow faster and stronger with each other’s help. Here is how you can plant the three sisters — maize, beans and squash — on your land. Make a small hill of soil. The hill should be one foot tall, and twice as wide. Plant five maize seeds in a circle in the hill. Plant the seeds an equal distance apart. When the maize is a little taller than your ankle, plant four climbing bean seeds in the hill around the maize stalks. Finally, the last thing to do is to plant four squash seeds in the hill around the maize stalks. As the three sisters grow, observe how they help one another. You only have to prepare the soil once. But you harvest THREE crops! I think you will notice that your maize will not be damaged by pests. And you will harvest more food from less land."
http://www.chateauramezay.qc.ca/jardin/eng/potager.htm
A Guide to THE THREE SISTERS Diorama
http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/IroquoisVillage/sisterstwo.html
