While "permaculture" is not define by technique or process, there are some useful tips that we can be used to enhance Permaculture principles. Quack Grass ( Elymus repens) This stubborn weed is actually edible! The rhizomes can be cookd and eaten or roasted and drunk as a coffee substitute; They have been dried, ground into a power and used in bread or boiled down into syrup, which was sometimes brewed into beer. The leaves and shoots are edible and can be eaten fresh in salads, they are best gathered early in spring when the leaves are less fibrous and though. The seeds are edible and a cereal mash can be made from them. they have 18.5g protein in 100g of fresh weight. (source: Edible & Medicinal Plants of Canada) Organic General Pest Spray While divers spices planting do most of work for controlling pest problems, there are also handy organic spray recipes. Use with caution - spray well away from your eyes and nose. Wearing rubber gloves is recommended since it could cause painful burning. Recipe: Chop, grind or liquefy 1 garlic bulb and 1 small onion. Add 1 teaspoon of powered cayenne pepper and mix with 1 quart of water. Steep 1 hour, strain through cheesecloth, then add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap to the strained liquid. Mixed well. Spray your plants thoroughly, being sure to cover the undersides of leaves. Store the mixture for up to 1 week in a labeled, covered container in the refrigerator. (source: The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control!) The Best Aphid Control  |