lamb's quarters

research from california: http://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/weedborers.html suggests that planting "weeds" around the borders of cauliflower fields reduces the number of cabbage loopers and flea beetles that can infest the plants...the particular "weed" they are speaking of is lamb's quarters...i have taken umbrage with lamb's quarters being classified as weeds before...they are 1)edible and, 2) native to lake county indiana: http://plants.usda.gov/java/county?state_name=Indiana&statefips=18&symbol=CHBE4 (pitseed goosefoot is seemingly a more recognized name for lamb's quarters...but who calls it that? )..weed or food plant, it is growing in the teosinte in the perennial garden and in the asparagus...and alongside my house ( and anywhere else i have grown jerusalem artichokes...i wonder what it attracts that spreads the lamb's quarter's seeds? )...but not in the community garden...i am going to plant cauliflower there this week and i may introduce a "weed" purposely as it may help deter parasitic insects by providing a habitat for beneficial insects that prey on them...a non-chemical solution to the presence of damaging pests...i will be devoting some time this coming winter to researching what kinds of plants attract what sorts of insects and , possibly, birds ( insectivores anyway )...i will be looking to rethink what i classify as a "weed"...there may be room for a lot more in the garden than i am now aware of.