Most of you are probably familiar with the “three sisters” companion planting technique, where corn, beans, and squash are planted together on a mound to reap mutually beneficial rewards. The corn provides a natural support for the beans, which love to climb toward the sun. The beans, in turn, have nitrogen-fixing bacteria living on their roots that supplement the soil. This makes corn happy, because it requires lots of nitrogen to grow! Finally, squash is planted around the base of the mounds. As it vines out along the ground, the squash’s large, flat leaves act as a living mulch, keeping the soil moist and weeds in check. Its prickly vines also help deter pesky animals.