February 29, 2016

Avalanche column

February  11, 2016

I have noticed that whenever we have a damp spring or summer it can be expected that we will have a grasshopper infestation.

It really was not too long ago that these critters would run a chill down my spine. In reality these guys can be quite easily controlled, or at least reduced to acceptable levels. Like with weeds it is very helpful to recognize when you have a problem. There is a big difference if you deal with a weed problem just as you are seeing a green sheen to the ground instead of when the weeds are 5 feet tall. Grasshoppers are very similar in this respect. They are a whole lot easier to deal with when they are tinny than when they are full size.

There are a number of steps one can take to limit the numbers in your garden.

A ten foot clear strip around your garden, bare earth is best combined with a 3 foot tall solid fence around your garden will limit their access. Unless spooked grasshoppers seldom jump higher than 2 feet. Cover plants with at least 2 layers of agribon 19. They can chew through a single layer. Just before sunrise they are very lethargic and can be easily picked off plants or solid surfaces using both hands. Feed your chickens or toss them into a jar of soapy water. A chicken run around your garden can be entertaining while watching the chickens play “keep-away” with a hopper that chose to go through that gauntlet. Use a hopper bacteria that is very effective on grasshoppers (nolo bait), it is most effective with young hoppers. It needs to stay dry in order to work. I use 16 ounce tin cans with one end removed. Place the cans around the OUTSIDE perimeter of your garden and prop the unopened end up (prevents water from getting into the can). Daily check the cans and replenish the nolo bait as needed. Cultivating garden paths will expose eggs and prevent them from hatching.

Last but not least the use of cold pressed neem oil (not clarified hydrophobic neem oil). If the bottle does not specifically say “cold pressed neem oil” it is the other kind. THIS is very important. Cold pressed neem has growth hormones that cause the hoppers to stop molting and eating; death follows. These hormones have been removed from the clarified form. I have found that if I notice where the hoppers seek cover at night or where they are feeding the most, these are the only places that need to be sprayed. I have found that they love to chew on sweet potato vines. The dense vegetation also affords them “cover” too. Ah, but this then becomes their trap and they soon meet their demise!! Three sprayings 7 days apart is all it takes.

Read directions, wear protective clothing, don’t spray when it is windy and only spray in the evening.

Questions? I can be contacted at markdirtfarmer@gmail.com. Or more garden notes at redwagonfarm.blogsot.com