Natural soft sedimentary rock known as diatomaceous earth (DE) is mined from the ancient remains of lakes and rivers around the world.
The fine dust is made up of the fossilized remains of prehistoric algae and phytoplankton, known as diatoms, which lived and died in various bodies of water.
The diatom’s exoskeleton was made of silica, and as these single-celled organisms accumulated over millions of years, they compressed and formed the sand-like deposits of porous particles that we know under the name of diatomaceous earth or diatomaceous earth.
Diatom deposits have been found around the world, in Scotland, the Czech Republic, the Sahara, Germany, Denmark, and the western United States, with each deposit possessing properties unique to the region. This is why DE is sometimes white, gray or brown.
In general, however, diatomaceous earth is 80-90% silica, an abundant element found in everything from the earth’s crust to rocks and sand, and in the cells of plants and animals. It also contains varying amounts of calcium, iron, sodium, and various other trace minerals.
Diatomaceous earth is an all-natural, versatile, inexpensive, and non-toxic way to solve many gardening problems. Although you should be careful not to inhale it, using food grade diatomaceous earth from freshwater sources is safe enough to consume and will not harm people or pets in the event of an accident. ingestion.
Read on to discover the countless ways to put diatomaceous earth to good use in your garden.
1. Multi-purpose mechanical insecticide
When viewed under a microscope, diatoms from freshwater sources typically have a cylindrical shape, a glassy texture, and a toothed surface covered with ribs, spines, pores, and ridges.
As a pest control, diatomaceous earth works in two ways. When an insect crawls on diatomaceous earth, the notched surface of these tiny glass cylinders cut into its body, creating holes and wounds through which the beetle loses moisture. Because it is porous, DE also absorbs these fluids, dehydrating the insect. Although death is not instantaneous, insects usually succumb to their injuries within 24 to 48 hours. With heavy infestations, the results are noticeable in five days.
Diatomaceous earth is incredibly effective against a wide variety of insect species, but it doesn’t discriminate between good and bad insects. Therefore, do not knowingly dump diatomaceous earth in your garden.
To maintain a healthy ecosystem. AND To protect your crops, it’s best to use diatomaceous earth sparingly in the garden and avoid using it where it might affect ladybugs, bees, butterflies, green lacewings, wasps, and insects. other beneficial insect populations. Use only on heavily infested crops, apply close to the ground and never use on flowering plants. Spread it out on calm days when the wind isn’t blowing it across your garden and lawn. You can also cover treated plants with burlap sacks for a day or two, then wash off the DE with a garden hose.
2. repel slugs
With soft bodies composed mostly of water, snails are voracious eaters, feeding on almost any organic material they encounter. They are generalists and will make a quick feast of your plants and seedlings, feasting on leaves, flowers, lichens, fungi and even earthworms and carrion.
Because they work in slimy mucus, snails are especially susceptible to the drying effects of diatomaceous earth. Protect your plants by spraying them around the perimeter of your garden bed or around the base of individual plants. Diatomaceous earth washes out easily, so be sure to reapply after every watering and rain.
3. Dealing with an Ant Invasion
Although ants in the garden are actually very beneficial – they aerate the soil, feed on other insects, and when they move around they tend to pollinate flowers and disperse seeds – they can become problematic if they invade your house.
To treat ants indoors, first note where you have seen them and look for areas where they might invade. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth along the nooks and crannies of floorboards, baseboards, window frames, and door ledges and crevices.
To apply to walls and other vertical surfaces, make a spray by combining 4 tablespoons of diatomaceous earth with 1 gallon of water. Wet DE applications become effective once the water has evaporated.
Keep an eye the next day or two to see if they’ve adjusted their routes and applied fresh powder to new spots. After a month, clean off the diatomaceous earth and reapply if necessary.
Large ant hills on your property may be contributing to your indoor ant problem, you may want to address it at the source. Use a shovel to dig into the nest and expose the queen. Sprinkle some diatomaceous earth, stir it with your shovel, and reapply. Spread some DE within 1 foot of the nest.
4. soil conditioner
Although diatomaceous earth contains some minerals, it is much more effective as a garden soil amendment or potting soil. It is porous and this helps the growing medium retain nutrients and moisture. A pinch of DE in your soil will also help it drain well. It does not harm beneficial soil microbes and at the same time protects against soil insects such as fungi and root lice.
To make excellent potting soil that retains water, mix 50% soil and compost, 25% coconut fiber and 25% diatomaceous earth.
5. Cut flower storage
Keep your fresh-cut flowers looking their best longer by drying them with diatomaceous earth.
First, hang them upside down in a dry place for 3 days. Get an airtight container and sprinkle a layer of DE along the bottom. Position your flowers carefully, making sure none of the flowers or leaves are touching. Add another layer of DE and attach the lid. After 3 days, turn the flowers over and close the pot. Leave for another 3 days before removing them. Gently shake your cuttings to remove the DE and place them in a vase for your viewing pleasure.
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth Safely
When buying diatomaceous earth, look for food-grade varieties. Food grade DE is non-toxic and has multiple uses.
Diatomaceous earth for swimming pools, on the other hand, is heated to high temperatures, which changes the composition of the final product. This type is used for water filtration, but is toxic to animals and humans and is not effective as a pest control.
When working with diatomaceous earth, be careful not to inhale fine dust particles during application. Although ED is generally harmless, prolonged exposure can irritate the nasal passages and lungs. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis should take extra precautions and wear a respirator.
Because diatomaceous earth is so absorbent, it can dry out the skin. Put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the drying effects of working directly with them. For other applications, you can spray DE with a spoon, a small feather duster or a shaker.