Y'all don't forget the CONTESTS built into this series. One SBI for a name, five for the needle! That makes thirty one shares for the series if someone claims the prize before the post pays out.

On to today's featured permaculture tidbit!

Bamboo!

Woah! What a useful plant! Did y'all read that card? Those are some bold claims!

This seems like something that could induce a paradigm shift for some folks. Why are our houses being built with inferior products that are less good for the earth? Why is this labeled an invasive species in so many places, when permies know good and well that weeds pop up for a reason; with a job to do?

InGaia's Garden, Toby Hemenway talks about bamboo for a good while, explaining it's so many versatile uses. The ones that struck me were the uses as building materials. He mentioned home-scale bridges specifically, which I would really like a few of on my property where I cross my swales. I'd also like to make use of them for our new well house that we'll be constructing when we get the well repaired. I'd like to do a bamboo and straw bale well house when it comes time.

Given all those uses, what are some things you could use bamboo for? While Toby mentions it's aggressive growth as a turn-off for many, he says the best way to control it is to eat it! Yeah, not only can you build with the stuff, but it is a food crop too! It can supposedly be used to treat respiratory infections (oh boy, sign me up!) and induce uterine contractions (multiple uses. Fellas, feed your lady bamboo).

For me, I think I'm going to be looking closely for a nearby bamboo stand. I may bring back some seeds and toss em in the ditch out front. It grows well in ditches around here. Until it is established, I'm very interested in responsibly harvesting some for use around the homestead.

Trellises! Modular fences! Roosting bars! Man, let your imagination run wild with it. This is cool stuff!

Be blessed.
Be fruitful.
Stay relevant.

Nate.

Purchase sustainably produced seeds, textiles, medicines, and more for SBD from Hive account@homesteaderscoop at The Homesteader's Co-op Online Marketplace!