I'm growing corn like the North American Indians do

Three sisters planting is one of the oldest companion planting ideas around. The idea is to follow the way of the North American Indians.

Mound up small hills about 30cm high incorporating plenty of compost ( The Indians would throw a dead fish into the mound, but I have a greedy Labradoor who would no doubt dig that up and eat it!). Plant around 5-8 corn seeds or seedlings on top of mound with climbing bean seeds planted next to them. In the hollows of the mounds plant pumpkin seeds or seedlings. The theory behind this is as the corn grows up, the runner beans use their stalks to climb up. The beans are nitrogen fixers so feed the soil as corn is a gross feeder. The pumpkin acts as a living mulch, keeping the soil and root zone cool and is provided shade by the tall corn

Have a go at growing these three plants this way this summer. You will get three crops from one area and not have to bother with tippees or climbing frames.