Betsey Walsh

Professor Santos

ENGL 102_037

2 February 2018

Blog #2

            In Braiding Sweetgrass, we were assigned to read, “The Three Sisters.” The assertion of the Three Sisters is how these three plants can survive on their own, but when all together their bond is much stronger. For example, if they were planted, grown and eaten all together they would have a bigger impact. They got their name by being able to thrive together, just like sisters and how they are inseparable. The three sisters consist of corn, beans, and squash, which in the 1600s were considered a “gift from god.” As older sisters do, the corn offers the beans support on anything they would need. Growing all the crops together will minimize the nutrient depletion.  As the beans grow their vines and branches tangle into the corn stock which keeps them in check and in like just like a sister would keep her fellow sisters in line. The squash represents the defense mechanism in the circle because it has prickly thorns that can prevent rodents and other harmful animals to stay away.

I can relate to the three sisters because since I am the oldest in my family, I am expected to set certain standards for my younger siblings. We all have specific jobs to do around the house and if one person does not carry their weight then the whole system is messed up, just like the three agricultural sisters. Just as if the corn was not there for the beans and squash, they wouldn’t grow as fast and be rich in as much nutrients that they can contain. The three sisters work together as well as a family does, if one person doesn’t pull their weight they cannot function as well as they could. Companion planting is a great way to promote crop productivity by harnessing natural interactions in the soil/plant system. Ultimately, this strategy can make for healthier environments by reducing the need for artificial fertilizers and pesticides.