Your comments and tips

24 Jul 16, Ritshep (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)

Dear Sir, i have planted papaya trees in my yard. They are organic & flourishing very well . People got amazed when they see our papayas, they look different from south african pawpaws. They are very sweet & juicy, have also smaller trees growing. I also planted brocolli, lettuce, carrots & spinash. My challenge is not having enough space to grow all these bcos am now planning to plant sweetcorn, watermelon, spanspek or canrteloupe & pumpkin. I need mentorship & somyeone who can help with a land to lease or make partnership to expand business. Your advice & help will be much appreciated.

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16 Jul 16, Rob (Australia - temperate climate)

Greg, I'm at Albion Park NSW 2527. Can you better explain the 3 sisters method of growing corn and beans? When you say, '2mx2mm squares', how many corn plants and bean plants should I put in per plot? Also, distance apart, etc. Do I plant the corn and beans at the same time? Would it work with corn and snow peas as well? The more detailed your response, the better..... Thanks for your help, Rob.

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20 Jul 16, Chris (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Plant the corn first, as suggested on the packet, in a grid pattern, so the top flower head will fertilize the corn which grows on the side of the stalk.when the corn is about 20 - 30 cms high, plant climbing beans between the corn, and train them with a twig to grow up a corn stalk. Once the beans are up plant a small vining pumpkin, like butternut,so it doesnt keep growing outside of the area. This keeps the soil covered and cool for the corn and beans. Water by putting it down between the leaves, to keep powdery mildew at bay.A handful of dry chicken manure spread around the corn and beans will help as the corn is maturing. Pick beans carefully, and help pumpkins by fertilizing female flowers with males, due to the lack of bees. Good luck

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30 Jul 16, Rod (Australia - temperate climate)

I am about to plant my corn using the three sisters format do a google on three sisters garden , a good read after reading this entire post here , not the three sisters site I think I may wait till the warmer weather soil temperature is about 9 degrees in the morning and 12 degrees midday in Sydney

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01 Jul 16, Katie N (USA - Zone 9b climate)

I want to plant the 3 sisters, corn (maize), beans and squash, for my zone (9b) both beans and squash can be planted in Aug/Sep but I've missed the cut off for sweetcorn. Has anyone had experience of planting maize in this climate at this time? Will it work or am I likely to be disappointed? Thanks for any help. Katie

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20 May 16, Jennifer (Australia - tropical climate)

Once I've picked the cobs is the rest of the plant a write off... ie. Dig it out?

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25 May 16, Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Yes

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23 May 16, David (Australia - arid climate)

No why not use them as a support to grow some climber like sweet peas, beans, once these have finished then dig them out.

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07 May 16, Rosemary (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi Phoebe. If you plant corn outside now it might germinate if you are lucky, but it won't grow much because it is too cold. Best time to plant it is in spring or early summer. You might like to try peas or broad beans for this time of the year. Both are easy to germinate and grow. If you are looking for a grassy type of plant to grow, try wheat or barley. Good luck.

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02 May 16, Phoebe (Australia - temperate climate)

Hi, I live in adelaide and I am planning to plant corn as part of my school project however I was wondering whether it could be planted in May eventhough its not a best season for it. Will it still germinate and grow?

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