Ticked off in Texas

[texasgal]

Hello everyone, this is my first time to use this board. I am trying to get a garden started and find it overwelming. I have seeds which I know I need to start soon(It's starting to get warm here, Texas). However my problem is this, I can start the seeds but when I transplant then they die or I get TONS of grasshoppers (almost overnight) What can I do to ensure that I can harvest my small garden without killing the plants or grasshoppers making a meal out of it?? Remember I am in a VERY warm climate. Any advise would be wonderful.
SC in Texas

[Janie2004]

HI.
I live in Indiana but I find I have much better luck planting the seeds directly in the soil rather than starting them inside.

I guess you will have to plant flowers that grasshoppers don't like to eat? :lol:

Visit your local nursery and ask for their suggestions.
Sincerely, Janie
P.S. The snow cover is finally melting as we had RAIN today instead of snow. (It is suppose to freeze again tonight though!) :cry:

[Frecklesb]

I do not know if this will work, but in my area in northern Indiana the Marigolds seem to be pretty bug proof. You may want to surround your other plants with them if this works for you.

[swindyi]

I start my seeds in cell packs outside on the porch and then transplant them into the beds when they are a couple of inches tall , this way I don't have to thin them out of the beds and damage the root system . As far as grasshoppers I can't help you out on that one as they are not a problem where I am . Good luck to you

swindy

[Newt]

Hi Texasgal,
I'm wondering if you are preparing the soil in your garden with lots of compost. That would be very helpful to the plants. For insect pests when you plant them in the garden, try floating row covers until the insects have moved on. You might want to contact your local extension service for helpful info in your area.

http://texasextension.tamu.edu/

Don't hesitate to ask more questions.

Good luck,
Newt

[Janie2004]

Frecklesb, I see you also live in Northern Indiana.
I live near a small town called Mentone.
Do you know where that is?

It is about 60 miles south of South Bend.
Janie :lol: