Now gardeners grow their five-a-day the Native American way

Published: 26 March, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

MORE than 100 residents have joined a community spring gardening scheme based on the philosophy of Native Americans.

The Finsbury Park gardeners will be growing runner beans, sweetcorn and squash in large grow-bags in their front gardens. Ultimately, they will share the produce in a grow-your-own-supper later this year. Explaining the project, professional gardener Naomi Schillinger, from Am­bler Road, said: “More than 40 households have been signed up. We all live in nearby roads, which means we can help each other out. Everyone has been given a grow-bag and seeds.”

The Three Sisters project is based on the Native American idea that the three crops are complementary and thrive together.

“The runner beans put nitrogen into the soil and grow up the sweetcorn, which acts like a trellis,” Ms Schillinger explain­ed. 

“The squash leaves trap moisture in the soil and monopolise sunlight that discourages weeds. You can also add nasturtiums at the edge of the bag to create a protective canopy.”

She set up the scheme after neighbours admired her crop of runner beans, sweet peas, leeks and potatoes, all grown in her front garden in recycled builders’ pallets.

The group has obtain­ed a £1,000 donation towards the project from Islington Council after coming second in the Islington in Bloom competition last year. The money will pay for large, sturdy grow-bags, seeds and compost.

Ms Schillinger said: “We hope people will put grow-bags in front gardens where they can be seen. Hopefully, it will encourage others to join the scheme.  

“It not only means that people are growing food for the table, it gets people out on the street talking to each other. It will lead to great neighbourliness and community spirit.”

The beauty of a grow-bag is that it takes up a small space, she added. “The main thing is not to let them dry out,” Ms Schillinger said. “I advise people to start corn off indoors to give it a head start. But we have plenty of seeds. If it doesn’t work the first time, try again.”

Local activist and writer Nicolette Jones said it was a brilliant idea. 

“Having Naomi around if things go wrong is particularly useful,” she added. For further information, contact Naomi at naomi.schillinger@btinternet.com