Dee Kempson

a member on my site tried this a week ago... and was chuffed    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b37eUNn_3As

Morning Tribe ...

Are Sweet Potato Leaves Edible? Yes, definitely!
It's time to meet the newest bunch of leaves poised for the superfood spotlight: sweet potato
leaves… edible and delicious, with a softer texture and less bitter taste than kale or chard.
A new analysis published in the journal HortScience found the leaves have 3 times more
vitamin B6, 5 times more vitamin C, and almost 10 times more riboflavin than actual sweet
potatoes. Also an excellent source of antioxidants, high levels of vitamin A, thiamin, folic
acid and niacin with impressive amounts of fiber, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc,
copper, potassium and iron. Nutritionally similar to spinach, but sweet potato leaves have less
oxalic acid, which gives some greens like spinach and chard a sharper taste.
As for eating the leaves, they're best used like spinach, The simplest way is to sauté them
with garlic and olive oil just until they're wilted … add a couple drops of fish sauce, too.
(Remove 2-3 strings from the stem, like with celery, by starting at the bottom and pull up.)
Also good greens for chookies, pet rabbits, guinea pigs ….
Sweet potato leaves Quick Facts
Name: Sweet potato leaves
Scientific Name: Ipomoea batatas
Origin Tropical regions in America
Colors Green (Leaves)
Shapes Alternate, ovate to orbicular, Length: 4-15 cm; Width: 3-11 cm (Leaves)
Taste Bitter
Calories 15 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients
Vitamin K (88.17%)
Vitamin A (9.43%)
Vitamin B2 (9.31%)
Magnesium (5.71%)
Vitamin B6 (5.08%)

Health Benefits of Sweet Potato leaves
1. Heart ailments
Vitamin K helps to prevent the arteries calcification which is one of the main causes for heart
attacks. It carries away from arteries and does not allow forming into harmful and hard
deposits of plaque. Vitamin K is a vital nutrients in order to reduce inflammation and prevent
the cells which lines the blood vessels such as arteries and veins. An adequate intake of
Vitamin K helps to maintain the healthy blood pressure and reduces the risk of having cardiac
arrest.
2. Density of bones
Vitamin K helps to maintain the calcium on bones and reduces the chances of osteoporosis.
The studies shows that high intake of Vitamin K can eradicate bone loss in osteoporosis
patients. Vitamin K is essential for using calcium to form bones. Vitamin K enhances the
health of bones and lowers the chances of bone fractures in the postmenopausal women.
The high intake of Vitamin K2 helps to reduce the chances of hip fracture by about 65%. The
evidence shows that Vitamin D and Vitamin K works together to enhance the density of
bones. Vitamin K has the positive effects on calcium balance. The consumption of foods rich
in Vitamin K by the injured patients helps to prevent the sprained ankles and recovers the
broken bones.
3. Pain during menstruation
Vitamin K regulates the hormone function lowers the pain of PMS cramps and menstrual
pains. Vitamin K clots the blood and prevents the excessive bleeding during menstruation and
relieves pain of PMS symptoms. Over bleeding can cause more pains and cramps during
menstruation. The deficiency of Vitamin K can worsen these symptoms.
4. Treats cancer
Vitamin K helps to reduce the chances of colon, prostate, nasal, oral and stomach cancer. The
study shows that high intake of Vitamin K by the liver cancer patients helps to enhance the
functions of liver. The intake of Vitamin K helps to reduce the chances of cancer and
cardiovascular conditions.
5. Clots blood
Vitamin K assists in blood clotting which requires twelve proteins to function. Vitamin K
promotes the clotting of blood which helps to recover the cuts and bruises quickly. When the
blood clotting does not takes place properly then one could experience haemorrhagic disease
of new born. This is caused due to the deficiency of Vitamin K. The study shows that the
newborns should be given the injection of Vitamin K at birth to prevent from HDN.
6. Brain health
The study shows that Vitamin K has the role in the metabolism of sphingolipid in which the
molecules occur naturally which is present in the cell membranes of the brain. Sphingolipids
have a vital role in the cellular actions and assist in forming and supporting the structural role
in the brain. An evidence shows that Vitamin K possess an anti-inflammatory properties
which prevents the brain from oxidative stress which is a free radical damage. Oxidative
stress damages the cells and contributes to the Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, Parkinson’s
disease as well as heart failure.
7. Gum health
Cavities and gum problems are the result of the food low in Vitamin C, A, D and K. The
intake of foods rich in fat soluble vitamins helps to prevent the gum disease and tooth decay.
It also plays a vital role in the mineralization of teeth and bones. The food rich in minerals
and vitamins helps to eliminate the bacteria present in the mouth and teeth. Vitamin K works
with other vitamins and minerals to eradicate the bacteria that damage the enamel of tooth. It
also maintains the strong teeth by providing adequate amount of minerals.
8. Reduce inflammation
Vitamin possesses antioxidant properties which eradicated free radicals from the body that
damages the cells and tissues. Vitamin A reduces the chances of food allergies and prevents
the harmful overreaction. It lowers the inflammation which helps to reduce the chances of
neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
9. Healthy skin and hair
Vitamin A is essential for the regrowth of skin and to heal wounds. It assists the epithelial
cells externally and internally. Vitamins help in the formation of glycoproteins which is the
combination of protein and sugar and binds the cells together for the formation of soft tissues.
Vitamin A deficiency results in poor complexion. Vitamin A can promote the health of skin
and also counteracts acne. It keeps the wrinkles and lines at bay with the production of more
collagen which helps to maintain the skin young. It also provides the healthy hair.
Traditional Uses
 Sweet potato helps to reduce the chances of liver disease and stomach cancer.
 It lowers depression and helps to lose weight.
 The fresh leaf helps to treat neoplasia.
 The leaves are considered to possess an antioxidant, antimutagen, anti-cancer, antihypertension, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
 It is used to provide relief from constipation.
 It helps to enhance the immunity power and prevents the disease and infections.
 The drink made from the leaves helps to eradicate diarrhea, nausea and stomachaches.
 It is also effective for colds, flus, burns, bug bites and scrapes.
 It also lowers anxiety, stress and blood pressure.
How to eat
 The leaves of Sweet potato are consumed as leafy greens.
 They can also be steamed, fried or boiled.
 Chop the leaves of sweet potato and add it to the recipes or sautee with garlic and
butter.
 Sauté leaves with sesame oil and ginger. And then season with pepper and salt.
 It is a best substitute for the spinach.
 In Asia, the leaves are stir fried with soy sauce and garlic.
 It could be consumed raw by adding it to the salads.
References:
http://2beingfit.com/sweet-potato-leaves-benefits-nutrition-recipes/
https://draxe.com/vitamin-k-deficiency/
https://draxe.com/vitamin-a/
https://paulhaider.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/health-benefits-of-sweet-potato-leaves/
Nutritional value of Sweet potato leaves, raw
Serving Size: 1 Cup chopped, 35 g
Calories 15 Kcal. Calories from Fat 1.62 Kcal.
Proximity Amount % DV
Water 30.38 g N/D
Energy 15 Kcal N/D
Energy 61 kJ N/D
Protein 0.87 g 1.74%
Total Fat (lipid) 0.18 g 0.51%
Ash 0.48 g N/D
Carbohydrate 3.09 g 2.38%
Total dietary Fiber 1.9 g 5.00%
Minerals Amount % DV
Calcium, Ca 27 mg 2.70%
Iron, Fe 0.34 mg 4.25%
Magnesium, Mg 24 mg 5.71%
Phosphorus, P 28 mg 4.00%
Potassium, K 178 mg 3.79%
Sodium, Na 2 mg 0.13%
Selenium, Se 0.3 µg 0.55%
Vitamins Amount % DV
Water soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0.055 mg 4.58%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.121 mg 9.31%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.395 mg 2.47%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) 0.079 mg 1.58%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0.066 mg 5.08%
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 3.8 mg 4.22%
Fat soluble Vitamins
Vitamin A, RAE 66 µg 9.43%
Vitamin A, IU 1322 IU N/D
Beta Carotene 776 µg N/D
Alpha Carotene 15 µg N/D
Beta Cryptoxanthin 20 µg N/D
Lutein + zeaxanthin 5152 µg N/D
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) 105.8 µg 88.17%
Lipids Amount % DV
Fatty acids, total saturated 0.039 g N/D
Palmitic acid 16:00 (Hexadecanoic acid) 0.035 g N/D
Stearic acid 18:00 (Octadecanoic acid) 0.004 g N/D
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated 0.007 g N/D
Oleic acid 18:1 (octadecenoic acid) 0.007 g N/D
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated 0.08 g N/D
Linoleic acid 18:2 (octadecadienoic acid) 0.067 g N/D
Linolenic acid 18:3 (Octadecatrienoic acid) 0.013 g N/D
Amino acids Amount % DV
Tryptophan 0.012 g 2.73%
Lysine 0.08 g 2.39%
Methionine 0.03 g N/D
Cystine 0.016 g N/D
Flavonols Amount % DV
Isorhamnetin 0 mg N/D
Kaempferol 0.7 mg N/D
Myricetin 1.5 mg N/D
Quercetin 5.9 mg N/D
*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet
intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs.
Mentioned values are recommended by a U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are
not healthbenefitstimes.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age
of 19 to 50 years and weighs 194 lbs.
Check out two more tasty ways to use sweet potato greens:
Sautéed Sweet Potato Greens
1 lg bunch sweet potato greens (about ½ pound)
½ sm white onion, diced
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper
1½ Tbsp maple syrup
1. REMOVE sweet potato leaves from stems and set aside. Remove smaller stems from the
larger, tougher stems. Discard the larger stems and roughly chop the smaller stems.
2. HEAT olive oil in medium-sized pan over medium high heat. Add onion and sauté until
just softened, about 3 minutes.
3. ADD stem pieces and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. ADD leaves, salt and pepper to taste, and maple syrup. Sauté until leaves are wilted, about
2 minutes. Serve. Recipe courtesy of from The Bitten Word.
Sweet Potato Greens with Grilled Salmon
1 lg bunch of sweet potato greens
1 tsp canola oil
½ tsp minced fresh ginger
1 tsp sesame oil
lemon zest
2 (4 oz) salmon fillets
Salt and pepper
1. REMOVE sweet potato leaves from stems. Chop smaller stems, and discard the larger
ones.
2. HEAT oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
3. ADD leaves and stem pieces, sesame oil, and ginger. Sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, and grate some fresh lemon zest on top.
4. SEASON salmon with salt and pepper, and simply roast or grill. Serves 2.
Recipe courtesy of MJ and Hungry Man.
Tubers are ready for harvest in 4 months from planting in tropical areas and 6 months in
cooler zones
• To harvest, pull back vines to reveal their base and then use a garden fork to loosen the
surrounding soil and expose the tubers. There can be several tubers ready at each planting
spot
• In warm areas, plants can be left in the ground for several years. Best to dig as needed.
Look for a thickened stem, or walk around feeling for a lump, and start digging.
• In cooler areas, harvest crop before winter .Dig in autumn when the soil is still warm. Cure
in a warm, airy place for two weeks before storing at cool room temperatures. Large tubers
store best. Wash and air-dry for a few days and store in the fridge
Tubers are often found 12 inches or more from the plant's primary crown, so dig carefully.
Haven't grown Yacon before but guess it would be similar... Green Harvest Seed Co QLD
says this ...
HARVEST
The plant takes 6 - 7 months to reach maturity. After flowering top growth withers and dies back and
the tubers are harvested. They resemble dahlia or sweet potato tubers, on average weigh about 300
g but can weigh up to 2 kg. Once the soil starts to heave at the base of the plant, dig around to
'bandicoot' a few early tubers to extend the harvest season. The tubers continue to sweeten as the
plant dies back so the main harvest should only take place once all the top growth is dead, usually by
May. Don't leave it too long though, especially in areas that have mild winters, as the plant will start
to shoot again as the weather warms up and the days get longer. The plant needs to be dug carefully
to avoid damage to the crisp tubers. After separation from the central stem undamaged tubers can
be stored in a cool, dark and dry place with good air circulation for some months. The average sugar
content of the tubers increases during storage because of starch conversion. They can also be
exposed to the sun for up to 2 weeks to accelerate the sweetening process

I use the skins of used lemons in the dishwater...cuts grease beautifully ... I do have nice soft rainwater tho ... just the 2 halves of 1 lemon is enough... just give a squeezy roughing up to release the oils and last of juice out of the used skins and leave them in the water while doing the dishes...if you have plenty of lemons then squeeze  half a lemon of juice ...or whole... into the water... as well as the skins...

Half a lifetime ago I went vegetarian (for about 7 yrs) and read that I had to put comfrey in my diet for the B12...  I also read that I had to harvest the leaves before 10am for cooking and eating raw as the alkaloids are down in the roots then, and rise up into the leaf throughout the day and drop back down into the roots during the night...meaning don't eat the leaf when the alkaloids have risen up from root into the leaf...toxic !!! I ate fresh chopped comfrey in salads, as an addition to mashed potato, or whole leaf dipped in egg batter and lightly fried, couple chopped leaves in soups and so on for years and fed it to my kids as young children, and older, without any ill effect... but only as a supplement 2-3 times a week... I don't know what variety it was ...just sought root stock  from other gardens and transplanted wherever I have lived. Have noticed comfrey can have either blue/mauve/pink flowers ...or white...

Be very careful with old carpet....it must be of a natural fibre... the synthetic stuff when broken down leaves a horrible mass of stringy fibres that can't be planted into , doesn't break down any further and if abandoned and left for grass  to grow through it, can't be mown without getting tangled in the mower blades....

I should probably really think this comment through but a spontaneous question to chuck in the mix ....would any of this matter if we had "Nicola Tesla" style free energy...

I have checked out DE sites and they seem to mention  everything crawly but not grasshoppers... although I do remember reading somewhere but can't find now ...that when mixed with water and sprayed on to leaf/plants surfaces and allowed to dry it can be effective for everything... some consideration is required with respect to what it can do to beneficial insects...
https://havegarden.com/diatomaceous-earth-beneficial-insects/  ... "Is Diatomaceous Earth safe for beneficial insects?
No, Diatmoaceous Earth is not safe for beneficial insects. It can’t and doesn’t differentiate between beneficial and harmful insects.
For instance, Diatomaceous earth kills Ladybugs, Bees, Beneficial nematodes, Butterflies, Praying mantis etc. if they come in contact with it..."

these notes by FrancesMichaels of Green Harvest Seeds are useful...Organic Strategies for Grasshopper Control © Frances Michaels

Regardless of where you live in Australia, the noise of crickets and grasshoppers is one of the background sounds of hot summer nights. The 'song' is produced by the male to attract a mate. Crickets, grasshoppers and locusts, as a group of insects, are distinguished by strong chewing mouthparts and enlarged hind-legs designed for jumping.
Crickets are usually nocturnal. Some species, like the tree cricket, are predatory, while others, like the mole cricket, feed on roots and burrow in the soil.
Grasshoppers are divided into short and long horned, with the 'horns' referring to the length of antennae. In long-horned grasshoppers the antennae are longer than the body. Long-horned grasshoppers are large, mainly plant eaters and often nocturnal. Short-horned grasshoppers, including the locusts, are active during the day.
The name locust is given to species that can occur in swarms. This includes the Australian plague locust, which has a black patch at the tip of the hind-wing and some scarlet on the hind-legs.
Not all grasshoppers are plant-eaters; surprisingly some are predatory with front legs adapted for grasping prey. Check before you accidentally squash a 'garden helper' by looking for spiny front legs.
Grasshopper eggs are mainly laid in the soil, although some do lay eggs on leaves. The eggs lay dormant until it rains, sometimes for years. Once hatched and if conditions are right, the next generation can be produced within a month.
Crickets, grasshoppers and locusts attack a wide range of plants, but it is in inland areas where the major impact is felt.

The Basics
Grasshoppers
Suggested Organic Strategies:
Attract them to a pond or children's wading pool by floating pieces of yellow plastic in the water. Smaller traps can be made out of yellow buckets filled with water and a 10% molasses solution. Cover with a film of oil to deter bees and mosquitoes
Get up early in the morning when they are very slow moving, handpick them or catch them in a butterfly net
Cover plants with an exclusion fabric; it will also protect plants from other pests like fruit flies and caterpillars
Birds are a major control, including domestic varieties such as chooks and guinea fowl
Beneficial insects such as tachinid flies and parasitic wasps prey on grasshoppers. Plant a Good Bug Mix to provide a food source for the adult predators.

Biological Controls
Grasshoppers
The most important natural enemies of grasshoppers are birds. In inland areas the ibis is particularly important as a control for locusts. As a result the draining of wetlands can increase locust plagues. You can attract birds to your garden by providing a source of water and safe nesting sites, free from predators and with privacy. Many small, insect-eating birds nest in the shrub layer rather than the tops of trees. Preferred nesting sites are dense plantings of native shrubs, especially prickly ones, in out-of-the-way corners of the garden. Make sure there are perches such as trellises or posts scattered throughout where birds can sit and watch for insect prey.
Water is an essential element to improve biological control. Small ponds encourage useful predators such as frogs and dragonflies, which need water to breed. Frogs are very active nocturnal animals that devour large numbers of pests.
Chickens not only like eating grasshoppers, but seem to get a lot of entertainment catching them too! Keen gardeners in inland areas should consider designing a chicken run with a shared fence between the chook run and vegetable garden for as much of the garden perimeter as possible. This can reduce the fencing needed and create a 'Fort Knox' style vegetable or flower garden as far as grasshoppers are concerned.
Guinea fowl are hardy birds which eat large numbers of grasshoppers and ticks. Although their noisiness makes them unsuitable for urban areas, they could be a big help on larger properties.
Other creatures that prey on grasshoppers include lizards, spiders and predatory carabid and rove beetles. These can be encouraged by providing shelter such as rocks and hollow logs. Small rock cairns can look decorative in the garden and perform a valuable function of refuge for these predators. Baby grasshoppers hatch in spring and early summer from eggs hidden just below the soil surface. As they like to hide in dense areas of vegetation, they can easily become prey for hungry predators.
Beneficial insects such as paper wasps, tachnid flies and parasitic wasps prey on grasshoppers. Robber flies are a major predator of grasshoppers, (up to a third of their diet). Habitat, such as a border of perennial plants, needs to be available all year round as a refuge for these predators. Growing flowering plants in the garden or orchard as a pollen and nectar source helps to maintain a population of these beneficial insects. Suitable insectary plants include clover, buckwheat, mustard, Queen Anne's lace, parsnip, daikon, alyssum, dill, coriander, cosmos and phacelia. Seed mixes of insectary plants are available commercially such as Good Bug Mix or Bed and Breakfast Seed Mix.
There are a range of naturally occurring parasitic fungi species that attack and kill grasshoppers. These include: Nosema locustae, Beauveria spp., Lecanicillium spp. and Metarhizium spp.
Physical and Cultural Controls
As a variation on the old adage 'the early bird catches the worm', this is also a good strategy with grasshoppers. Catching them in the early morning is relatively easy, as they are less active in the mornings, especially after a cool night. Either catch them by hand or use a butterfly net.
Some gardeners use a border of tall, green grass around the outside of the garden to trap grasshoppers and (hopefully) divert them from vegetables or flowers. It only works if the trap crop is left un-mowed and doesn't dry out.
Digging or cultivating in spring, and leaving the soil exposed, can expose the eggs to predators.
Physical barriers such as floating row covers or mosquito netting work very well for early-season protection. This will also protect your plants from other pests like fruit flies and caterpillars. Sometimes exclusion is a lot of work initially but saves heaps of effort over time.
The colour yellow is meant to be attractive to grasshoppers, so there are various ways this can be used to trap them. Long sticky tape traps are commercially available. Dams, ponds, or children's paddling pools can be used to drown grasshoppers by floating pieces of yellow plastic in the water, or suspending it from bamboo just above the water. Fish will happily eat the grasshoppers, or they could be collected and fed to chooks. You can try 'planting' a yellow bucket in the vege garden. Leave around 6 cm of yellow plastic showing above the mulch. The grasshoppers are attracted to the colour and will jump in but can't climb back out. Fill the bucket with water and a 10% molasses solution, cover the water with a film of canola oil to deter bees and mosquitoes.
Least Toxic Chemical Controls
Canola oil has been found to be a grasshopper attractant, and can be used to make baits more attractive to grasshoppers - as with the above example. It could also be combined with organic insecticides to make them more effective, and floated as an oil on top of water traps.
Insecticidal potassium soap sprays such as Natrasoap work best on small grasshoppers.
Neem is a botanical insecticide made from extracts of the neem tree. Eco-Neem is a registered organic spray that controls a wide range of insects including grasshoppers. It works in multiple ways with the two main actions being suppression of insect appetite (they starve to death) and restricting growth (unable to moult successfully). It is approved in Australia for use on ornamental plants only but would be particularly useful sprayed on a trap crop of tall, lush grass.
Pyrethrum insecticides are effective as a grasshopper control but also may kill beneficial insects. Spraying in the early morning or late afternoon will help to reduce the impact on non-target insects.
Nutri-Life Myco-Force™ is available from Nutri-Tech Solutions as a probiotic to assist in the recovery of previously affected insect damaged plants. It contains naturally-occurring, bio-balancing fungal species including: Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Lecanicillium lecanii.
Make up a chilli spray as a repellent - see Home Made Chilli Spray box, below.
Commercial Growers
Organic farmers can take advantage of a biological control for locusts and grasshoppers based on a naturally occurring fungus Metarhizium. This breakthrough has meant that preventative control by the Plague Locust Commission can take place in environmentally sensitive areas without the problems caused by pesticide residues. It is marketed as Green Guard® but is not currently available in Australia in home garden size packs.
Home Made Chilli Spray
Blend together half a cup of fresh chillies with 2 cups of water. Add a dash of dishwashing liquid to improve sticking. If you have no chillies substitute with 2 tablespoons of Tabasco sauce. Always spray a small section of the plant to check for leaf burn. Check in 24 hours and if there is no damage spray as needed. Leaf burn with any spray is more likely to occur during hot weather.
website   http://greenharvest.com.au/PestControlOrganic/Information/GrasshopperControl.html