In the human body, if there is imbalance, there is disease. Fix the imbalance and the disease goes away. The same goes for the land. If there are mass grasshoppers, there is an imbalance in the ecosystem that we each individually must try to remedy for the health of- not only our gardens- but for ourselves and the planet at large. Never underestimate what you have the power to do. The keys to remedying the ecosystem is to stop using chemicals, and increase the biodiversity of the soil and the area.

I am not trying to get an abundance of vegetables this year. That ship has sailed. This is my first year on this land. My little 1/16th of an acre in a sleepy little town. Focusing on the soil is my number one priority.

Instead of using chemical fertilizers and weed killers, you simply pull the weeds and lay them down to act as mulch. For fertilizer, use diluted coffee and grounds, compost, homemade seaweed tea (click here for recipe), and worm castings. You can buy a bag of worm castings for $10 at Walmart if you do not have a vermiculture area. (I do not, but I want to learn and you can bet it will be on this blog!) Right now, I am putting a handful at the base of any surviving plant. I will sprinkle it into the soil too. Worm castings is worm poo, if you will, and it’s amped up with natural nutrients the soil loves.

What eats grasshoppers? Birds are one. My daughter has a beautiful garden in the middle of ten acres in Kiowa. She has little issues with grasshoppers. They leave the prairie grass long so the insects typically stay out there. Last year, her husband mowed too soon and the grasshoppers descended upon the house and her gardens. This year, they are leaving them in the field! She has several bird feeders around her gardens and lots of birds. I have bird feeders in the front gardens, but wanted more in the back. We bought a shepherd’s hook and placed a feeder and a hummingbird feeder there. Even if you don’t have a grasshopper issue, birds are an important part of a healthy ecosystem and add to the joy of being outdoors.

I have one gorgeous stalk of corn. One. Why is it doing well? Some of the plants are pushing through and becoming more dense. We cannot pick our mint, it is so bitter. The plants are sending out their own signals to predators and creating their own defenses against the onslaught. The plants I got from the nursery that were water logged and had gnats were the first to be eaten. Any plant in distress will be the first to go. Newly transplanted plants went next. The soil I put in the raised garden beds was too hot so the plants in it have struggled as well. But one stalk of corn, ten tomato plants, and various mints are fighting their way back! A mini rose my husband bought me at the grocery store on Valentine’s day has no damage.

Nature will fight to remedy imbalances and we can help! Feed the soil, bring in birds, and water. And be patient. It took awhile for the land to become imbalanced, but it won’t take too long for it to spring back to health.

I love summer! I hope you are enjoying it in a lawn chair with a cold glass of iced tea.