3 SISTERS & the SWARTZ FAMILY FARM

a little history about the three sisters

-Corn (maize), climbing beans, and squash (cucurbit)

-Planted by Native American tribes for centuries

-A technique of companion planting: each benefiting from the other

companion planting & its benefits

-Maize stalk provides structure for beans to climb-Beans (like all legumes) fix nitrogen in the soil for maize and squash to utilize-Squash plant spreads out across the ground, acting as a "living mulch": preventing sunlight from penetrating the soil and weeds from growing-Prickly hairs on the squash vine deter pests such as deer (irritates their feet)-Maize and beans together form a full amino protein

technique of planting -Small, flat mounds built around 20 inches wide & up to a foot off the ground-Three maize seeds planted around the center, when the crop is about 6 inches tall, the squash and beans are ready to be planted*-Plant bean next to maize stalk, and squash plant a few inches away so there are 3 of each plant per mound.-Plant in succession to keep consistent yield of crops

*In some traditions (especially the Atlantic Northeast, close to the coast) rotten fish or eel carcass is buried in the mounds with the maize seeds to provide fertilizer for the maize

Swartz family farm11 Meadow St, North Amherst, MA

some history about the farm-In 1919, John & Anastazia Swartz purchased 40 acres of land in Amherst after emigrating from Poland

-There they operated a small dairy farm, grew onions, tobacco, and mixed vegetables, and also raised 5 children

-In the 1950s, sons John and Walter took over and grew potatoes on a large scale, leasing land in Amherst and the surrounding areas

-Walter's death in 1979 forced John to cut back on production, scaling down to 50 acres of potatoes on leased land and tobacco and mixed veggies on the home farm

-In 1986 the family farm was passed on to John's son Joe, who graduated from the Stockbridge school at UMass, and began focussing on small scale intensive production

-He then built his first greenhouse and designed a hydroponic system for lettuce and leaf production, which he continues to do with his wife, Sarah, and their two children.

Joe Swartz tends to his lettuce in his hydroponic greenhouse at his farm in Amherst in April, '10.

site for implementing 3 sisters crops on Swartz family farm

the site for development would be the small area of land in between the green house and the barn shown above

Some Heirloom CropsCorn/Maize:-Luscious F-1 Corn: 75-80 days to maturity; grows 7-8 ft tall-Supai Red Parch Corn: 105-110 days to maturity; grows 6-7 ft-Hooker's Corn: 60-70 days to maturity; grows about 4-5 ft

Beans:-Kentucky Wonder Pole: 60-65 days to maturity; grows 6-8 ft tall (a classic favorite)-Black Seeded Blue Lake Bean: 55-65 days to maturity; grows 6-8 ft tall-Scarlet Runner Pole: 70-110 days to maturity; grows 6-9 ft tall

Squash:-yellow crookneck summer squash: 55 days maturity, produces 8-9 inch squash-blue ballet winter squash: 90-100 days; smaller version of the Blue Hubbard Squash, yields 3-6 lb fruits; -small sugar pumpkin: 5-9 lbs of squash, 100-110 days

Group One: the early risers Hooker's CornGrown by Ira Hooker of Olympia, WA, for over 50 years, this early variety produces flavorful, white 5-6" ears that mature to a dark purple. It prefers a mild summer but can produce in a small space on a 4-5' stalk.

Black Seeded Blue Lake Bean(55-65 days) This stringless 6-7" green bean has a dedicated following. Exceptional for fresh eating as well as frezzing or canning, the vigorous vines produce abundant yields of straight beans. Far more productive than any bush bean.

Yellow Crookneck SummerEasy-to-grow, bush, yellow summer squash has been a favorite for over 150 years. Abundant producer of yellow-skinned, white-fleshed summer squash that are delicious lightly steamed. Sow 2-3 seeds every 2-3 feet in rows 3-6 feet apart when danger of frost has passed. Thin to strongest plant. Can be sown indoors in pots, 2-4 weeks before the last frost, and transplanted very carefully. Enrich soil heavily with mature compost Harvesting tips. Harvest young, when 6-8 inches long. Harvest every other day when plant is producing heavily.

Group Two: the High Summer Luscious F - 1 Corn7-8' (SE 75-80 days) Main season bi-color hybrid produces blocky ears with a 16-18 row count. Excellent eating quality. Very good cold soil seed emergence

Kentucky Wonder Pole(60-65 days) Introduced before 1864 in Kentucky, this classic brown-seeded strain produces 8" silvery green, fleshy pods with a distinctive flavor.

Blue Ballet Winter Squash3-6 lbs. (90-100 days) This smaller version of the Blue Hubbard yilds blue gray, teardrop-shaped fruits with sweet, deep orange flesh. One of these make a meal for a family of four. Keep well.

Group Three: the long haul Supai Red Parch Corn6-7' (105-115 days) An wonderful parching (dry roasted on a skillet) corn selected by Alan Kapuler and Carol Deppe. Kernels display a distinctive starburst pattern and make a very satisfying snack. One or two 8" ears per stalk.

Scarlet Runner Pole BeanOrnamental and edible climber or trailer. Bears large, showy sprays of bright scarlet flowers, followed by loads of slender pods about 8" long. Young pods used as snap beans. Later can be shelled for fresh use or dried for winter. Ready to pick 70 days after seed sowing for young pods; 115 days for shell beans. GARDEN HINTS: Keep beans picked for continuous bearing; shell mature pods and use as dried beans. (from Burpee Seeds and Plants)

Small Sugar Pumpkin5-9 lbs. (100-110 days) This standard from the 1800's boasts high quality, stringless, thick, sweet flesh for delicious pies. Dependable and easy to grow. Lightly ribbed

Seeds Of Change Mission Statement:"At Seeds of Change, we believe that being part of cultivating change feels good. For over 20 years, Seeds of Change has been committed to preserving biodiversity and promoting the use of sustainable organic agricultural practices. To demonstrate our commitment, we contribute 1% of our net sales toward sustainable organic farming initiatives worldwide." -http://www.seedsofchange.com/

**All seeds from previous slides can be purchased through Seeds of Change unless otherwise noted

my drawings/suggestions for implementation

what the site could potentially look like

a farm in Quiche, Guatemala that specializes in the production of the three sisters crops

sources usedSwartz Family Farm Index. Web. 18 Dec. 2010. <http://www.swartzfarmamherst.com/FamilyHistory.cfm>.

"The Three Sisters." Organic Gardening, Modern Homesteading, Renewable Energy, Green Homes, Do It Yourself Projects – MOTHER EARTH NEWS. Web. 18 Dec. 2010. <http://www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-Community/2001-02-01/The-Three-Sisters.aspx>.

"Three Sisters (agriculture)." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 18 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Sisters_(agriculture)>.

"Innovations at Pioneer Valley's Small Farms | GazetteNET." GazetteNET | News and Information from Northampton, MA by the Daily Hampshire Gazette. 13 Sept. 2010. Web. 02 Jan. 2011. <http://www.gazettenet.com/2010/09/13/seeds-change>.