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permaculture - Re: [permaculture] Bio-Control of Redroot Pigweed, amaranthus spinosus

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  • From: venaurafarm <venaurafarm@bellsouth.net>
  • To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [permaculture] Bio-Control of Redroot Pigweed, amaranthus spinosus
  • Date: Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:36:09 -0400

On 10/8/2012 12:26 AM, loren luyendyk wrote:

the leaves and seeds are not only edible but very nutritious:

http://www.eattheweeds.com/amaranth-grain-vegetable-icon/

perhaps the amaranth is replacing soil nutrients that are lacking. they have
deep tap roots and are dynamic acculmulators:

"Amaranth, also known as pigweed is another great dynamic accumulator.
It grows well with corn, onions, pepper and eggplant. It helps tomatoes
to be more resistant to harmful insects and also helps potatoes yield
more abundantly. It also helps loosen soil for root vegetables such as
beets, carrots and radishes. Since it is a weedy species, harvest it
and keep it thinned. It happens to produce both edible leaves and
seeds."

http://www.wildernesscollege.com/garden-companion-planting.html

Are you talking about the redroot pigweed with sharp spines all over the branching? There is another common (weed) amaranth that grows even taller and with more foliage and large amounts of seeds but no spines at all. The leaves are thicker and tougher than rr pigweed and lambs quarters. I always assumed this plant would produce seeds like quinoa an could be used for the same purposes in the kitchen, though I have never tried it. There is foxtail or wild millet too. Sesame and buckwheat are easily grown.








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