The Two Sisters: Sunchokes and Beans

Sunchokes are an amazing native of North America.  They are in the same genus as sunflowers. Their scientific name is Helianthus tuberosus, and as the name implies, they grow many tubers in late summer and fall.  I ordered these from fedco seeds. I believe these pictures are of some Waldspinel Sunchokes. I am growing beans up them, much like the three sisters method.  When growing vining plants it is important to let the anchor plant grow big enough so that the vining plant has something to work with.  The beans were planted after the sunchokes were about a foot tall.   They need very little maintenance, slightly less than average water needs for your garden.  I just added some compost to the bases, but only because their roots were being exposed.  If you live in a place that has slightly alkaline soils, they will thrive.