Finally, the weather has turned nice and we can all get outside to garden! Here’s a great article on how you might use diatomaceous earth in your next project. Time for some green thumbing action here friends!
What is Diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring substance mined from certain lakebed deposits. It’s made up of fossilized diatoms, a type of single-celled planktonic algae that lived in the oceans and freshwater lakes during ancient times!
Diatomite is a microscopic organism that lives inside of it. It has shells made out silica and this makes diatomaceous earth an abrasive powdery rock with many industrial uses including as filters or polishing agents due its porosity, you can even find several garden-related ones!
1. Use it as a mechanical pesticide
Diatomaceous earth is a great way to control pests in the garden. It works by dehydrating insects and, when applied on plants, it will stick very well – causing all kinds of problems for pesky bugs! So, after watering your plants, dust them with an applicator.
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-chemical way to keep your garden pests under control. It’s so effective that even insects like bees are less likely be affected by this powder once water evaporates from their body surfaces! However you should avoid spraying flowers in order not to damage them!’
2. Keep slugs off your plants
Slug bait may be one way to lure these night-time pests away from your precious plants, but there are other ways that you can add an additional layer of protection. Apply diatomite in a circle around the plant so they don’t have access and keep mollusks out as well!
Diatomaceous earth is a natural and environmentally safe way to keep slugs away. It will kill any harmful insects that might be attacking your plants! It is non-toxic and you can easily wash it away.
3. Eliminate flies
You can use a product such as diatomaceous earth to control black flies in their garden. Sprinkle liberally on plants and around the area, this will kill any of these pesky insects that dare come near you!
Flies that have come in contact with it will eventually die out of dehydration, but more importantly, once applied flies will avoid these areas and will never come in contact with it.
4. Get rid of maggots in compost and manure
Unfinished manure and compost piles can house the larvae of many types of flies. Some, like Soldier Fly Larvae are harmless because they don’t bite or carry diseases; but unless you’re sure about them it might be best not to let your maggots get out into open air where they could do some serious damage!
Diatomaceous earth is a natural way to kill pests without using harsh chemicals. Sprinkle diatom seeds over your pile and wait for them all die from exposure!
5. Control aphids
Aphids feed on plant juices by piercing young plant parts and sucking the sap. This can cause a host of problems, from stunting growth to reducing yield in your favorite garden veggies! These pesky insects reproduce at an alarming rate – if left unchecked they could smother you entire crop before it even has time to mature into something delicious… but don’t worry because there’s help for this problem too!
Diatomaceous earth is a natural and organic way to kill off aphids without using harmful chemicals. Simply dust the affected plants with diatom powder, mix it in water for an easy sprayer solution or just use as directed on label.
6. Get rid of ants
Ants in the garden pose no threat to you or your plants, but colonies can be a cause for worry. Another problem with these insects is that they “farm” aphids and scale insects milked by them in return for protection from predators; this leads ants of different species living together under one colony – all raising concern if there are large numbers!
If you find ants frequenting a plant, it is possible that they are sap-sucking insects. To get rid of them make sure to dust plants and anthills with diatomaceous earth to successfully get rid of them.
7. Keep mite populations down
Ticks are a major nuisance for gardeners who live close to woods. They can carry disease, and if you have pets or children playing on your lawns this is an even greater worry! They are not only trouble-makers, but they can carry and transmit an array of diseases.
Diatomaceous earth is one of the best ways to get rid of mites. Just spread a liberal amount across their yard, and you’ll be able to enjoy relief from pesky infestations!
8. Discourage rodents from visiting your garden
Rodents like rats, moles and mice can ruin your garden. Luckily there are a few things you can do about it if the thought of trapping them or eliminating them doesn’t sit well with you!
If you want to keep pesky rodents at bay, try adding some diatomaceous earth and citrus or peppermint oil. The noxious smells are sure to make them run for the hills!
9. Use it as a deodorizer
Diatomaceous earth is a natural, chemical-free way to keep your garden clean. You can even use it as an alternative deodorant for spots or where pets have gone potty! Just add some diatomite into the top layer of soil in these areas and sprinkle liberally all over so that furry friends won’t be tempted by its fresh scent again.
Luckily, you can also deodorize your smelly compost pile with diatomaceous earth. Simply add these silicate-rich particles to the ingredients and mix well!
10. Use it in pots and containers to increase porosity
Diatomaceous earth is often used as a medium for growing plants, usually in conjunction with other substances.
Although it doesn’t have much to offer by way of nutrition, the compound’s capability to hold fertilizers and then release them makes it an ideal component that can be added into your gardening practices without compromising quality of your soil. This makes this medium the perfect choice for Hydroponic and Bonsai cultivation.