Seven Sisters Planting Workshop

The Three Sisters are the main agricultural crops of various Native American groups in North America: squash, corn, & beans. When planted together, they provide mutual benefits for growth. Abenaki agriculture includes a larger family beyond the three sisters. Come learn about the seven sisters (and one brother) of Abenaki Indigenous agriculture followed by a hands-on planting.

During the first half of the workshop, we will discuss the seven sisters plants, the benefits of growing these plants together, crop design, seed start timing, and the importance of seed saving. The second half of the workshop will be hands on as we plant a 20’x75’ seven sisters garden. We will be transplanting and direct seeding so please bring gardening gloves and a hat.

For those of you who attended Dr. Fred Wiseman's class with us in 2018, you will recognize some of the plants and ideas. We also have a few of his "Seven Sisters" books to sell at this workshop.

COST: sliding scale of $10-20, with a nonrefundable $5 deposit ahead of time here on paypal or by check: Seacoast Permaculture, 219 France Rd, Barrington NH 03825. Please bring cash or check for the remainder that day.

PRESENTER: Linh Aven of Dandelion Forest Farm in Nottingham, NH. Linh first learned about the three sisters garden in elementary school. More recently she adapted the practice two years ago to fit more easily into a small farm scale. While designing that farm bed she learned that there were more than three sisters and incorporated them into the planting as well. She continues to bring the seven sisters into her farm practice as an active way to learn more about the Indigenous people who have come before us on the lands we now steward.