Sandy soil needs organics & grasshopper problem

[Mel]

We recently moved to a farm near Paris, TX.

There is an existing 30' x 50' cleared area that was a garden a fews years ago. The area gets full sun and is composed of sandy soil lacking any organic material. The east border is pasture and hay fields. This creates a bad case of grasshoppers.

How should we prepare the soil this fall & what can we do organically to control grasshoppers & other pest?

Whoul appreciate any advice particulary from organic gardeners in our zone

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

Can you run livestock on the former garden? That's the fastest way to get organic matter onto the soil.

As for the grasshoppers, I would try any kind of livestock birds. Chickens, ducks, or guinea hens should work.

[budreaux]

Nolo Bait is a great control for grasshoppers. I live on 5 acres and have treated it annually with 5lbs of Nolo. The 1st year we moved in grasshoppers ate everything we planted and even killed trees. Nolo has knocked them way back. It won't eliminate them, but that's not what you want to do. Gets the crickets too. We are organic for the most part and have noticed a huge increase in toads and frogs. These criiters keep bugs under control!

As for the soil building try planting Annual Rye and maybe Clover or Hairy Vetch. There are also some 'prairie' mixes available. This is the fastest and most economical way to build your soil.

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

Bird feeders and bird baths will help against grasshoppers, too.