Growing your own vegetables at home is a rewarding journey. There is something about enjoying the fruits of your labor after working so hard all season long.
The last thing we want to have to happen is a destroyed crop from pests that will ultimately visit your garden scape.
Spraying the food we will hopefully consume with harmful chemicals is not very alluring to most home gardeners.
Most of us started growing our own food to get away from all that!
Fortunately, there are some organic methods available to gardeners to help battle these unwelcome guests.
One of the most useful tools a gardener can employ is a powder called Diatomaceous Earth (DE).
What is DE and how can you use it?
In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know to keep your vegetables safe by using Diatomaceous Earth.
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What is Diatomaceous Earth?
So what exactly is Diatomaceous earth anyway?
Diatomaceous earth is composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms – microscopic aquatic organisms with hard outer shells made of silica that form deposits over millions of years.
These organisms are mined and later pulverized to create the fine powder we use as a pesticide. The hard and sharp silica shells of these pulverized diatoms can pierce pest exoskeletons causing lasting damage.
Diatomaceous earth offers many advantages for organic pest control in the garden, including being non-chemical and eco-friendly.
Instead of relying on harmful toxins to eliminate pests, its abrasive texture absorbs oils and fats from pest exoskeletons to cause dehydration and death in its target pests.
Diatomaceous earth has the unique composition to effectively eliminate pests that have an exoskeleton but it can also repel pests that do not have an exoskeleton. Pests such as slugs, snails, caterpillars and even larger pests such as rodents can all be deterred by using DE in the garden.
Diatomaceous earth can be divided into two main categories for gardening applications: food-grade and industrial-grade.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is generally safer and preferred for pest control as its processing removes any impurities which might harm humans or animals.
Industrial grade may contain higher levels of crystalline silica which could be hazardous if inhaled directly.
For this reason, we suggest you only use the food-grade diatomaceous earth for your gardening needs.
Diatomaceous earth can be an extremely safe and cost-effective solution to organic pest control in your garden, provided proper precautions are taken when handling and applying it – such as selecting an appropriate type for your needs.
What Kinds of Pests does Diatomaceous Earth Kill
Gardeners are all too aware of the many pests that threaten their plants, such as slugs, snails, ants and aphids to name a few.
Slugs and snails can do considerable damage to plants by chewing holes into leaves and flowers at night when it can be harder to catch them feeding.
Ants are another common nuisance found in gardens; often using plants themselves as sustenance and building nests nearby as food sources.
Aphids (small insects that drain sap away from plants to cause stunted growth and discoloration), can also cause an incredible amount of damage to our crop.
Beetles such as cucumber beetles and squash beetles can make quick work of a crop.
Diatomaceous earth can offer relief against all these pests.
Its abrasive texture damages insects’ exoskeletons, leading to their dehydration and death – ultimately deterring and eliminating slugs, snails, ants and aphids as pests altogether.
Note that diatomaceous earth is also effective against other garden pests such as moths, caterpillars and grubs – providing a one-stop organic solution that won’t harm either the environment nor plants.
Diatomaceous earth can be used effectively and strategically as part of your gardening toolbox.
Just remember that its effects will not discriminate between beneficial and pest species when killing insects.
Therefore, when applying diatomaceous earth in your garden it should only be applied where pests are present rather than blanketing all areas with it.
Used properly and strategically it can become invaluable.
How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth for Pest Control in the Garden
Now that we understand what diatomaceous earth is and the pests it can effectively eliminate, let’s discuss how best to apply it in our garden.
When using any chemical, organic or not, it’s essential that one takes appropriate safety precautions.
This includes wearing a mask and gloves to avoid inhaling dust particles and skin irritation.
Proper application is also critical in order to ensure its effectiveness while limiting any negative side-effects on non-target organisms.
Protecting beneficial insects and non-target organisms such as bees and butterflies in your garden is also key, so only apply diatomaceous earth where pests have affected areas and refrain from spraying it on flowers or plants that don’t appear vulnerable.
Overall, diatomaceous earth can be an effective and safe pest control method for your garden.
Just ensure to take all necessary precautions to mitigate risks.
Here is how you can apply diatomaceous earth effectively in your garden:
1. Select an appropriate grade of diatomaceous earth. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is recommended, as it’s safe for both people and animals. You can find food-grade diatomaceous earth at most garden centers or online here.
2. Determine your targeted areas. Diatomaceous earth can be used to control an array of pests such as ants, beetles and mites, making it ideal for use around plants, in potted flowers as well as in the soil.
3. Apply diatomaceous earth using recommended methods. You have two choices for applying the material: dusting or spraying. When dusting, use a duster to lightly cover plant surfaces and soil around them with diatomaceous earth powder. When spraying, mix diatomaceous earth with water (recipe below), and use a spray bottle to apply the solution directly onto surfaces and surrounding soil.
4. Apply as necessary based on pest activity and weather conditions. Depending on rainfall or heavy watering, diatomaceous earth may wash away. Reapplication will be needed after any heavy rainstorm or heavy watering.
Similarly, if pest activity increases you may need to apply more often.
Diatomaceous Earth Spray Recipe
Ingredients Needed:
Bucket
Water
Instructions: Begin by mixing diatomaceous earth and water in a bucket. A good ratio would be approximately one cup of DE for every gallon of water used – adjust according to your spray bottle size or the area you plan to treat.
Gradually add diatomaceous earth to water while stirring continuously, in order to avoid clumps and ensure an even mixture.
Be sure to give the spray a good shake prior to using it to ensure that its DE particles are evenly dispersed.
Spray the solution directly on the affected plants, paying particular attention to areas where pests have established or may become an issue. Be sure to cover both sides of leaves, stems, or any other targeted surfaces with your solution for maximum coverage.
Reapply as necessary after rainfall or when new pest activity has been noted.
Notes:
For optimal results, only food-grade diatomaceous earth should be used, as other forms (such as pool-grade DE ) could potentially harm humans, animals, and beneficial insects alike.
As your mixture ages, DE may settle at the bottom. To ensure an even distribution of DE particles throughout the solution, shake your spray bottle each time before use.
Avoid spraying solutions under windy conditions to protect yourself from inhaling fine particles, and make sure you wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask during application.
Diatomaceous earth’s main function is abrasion; therefore liquid spray applications may not provide as long-lasting or effective results as direct powder application.
Note that the effectiveness of DE spray may depend on several factors, including its concentration and the pests targeted.
Additional Tips for Effective Pest Control
Diatomaceous earth can be an invaluable weapon in your organic pest control arsenal, yet there are additional steps you can take to further safeguard your garden.
One approach is to combine complementary pest control methods with diatomaceous earth.
One such option is planting companion plants that naturally repel pests. For instance, marigolds can help deter aphids while garlic will deter snails and slugs.
You could even consider adding natural predators such as ladybugs or praying mantises into your garden for added defense against these unwanted visitors.
One key to successful pest control is keeping a tidy garden environment.
Pests flourish in disorganized spaces. Therefore, regularly pruning plants, clearing away dead leaves and keeping soil damp but not overly wet can all help deter these creatures.
Monitoring your garden regularly for signs of pest activity is also recommended.
In order to detect infestations early and take swift action before they worsen.
Check all plants regularly for any sign of damage or disease and pay close attention to undersides of leaves where pests often hide.
Utilizing both effective pest control methods and proper garden hygiene practices, diatomaceous earth can be used effectively to keep your garden pest-free.
Diatomaceous earth is an effective tool for organic pest control; however, for best results it should be used alongside other techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Diatomaceous Earth in the Garden
What is diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring substance composed of fossilized remains of aquatic organisms known as diatoms that has an extremely fine powdery texture due to the silica content present.
How Does Diatomaceous Earth Work for Pest Control?
DE works by physically damaging insects’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and eventually their death. It is effective against many garden pests such as aphids, slugs, snails, and beetles.
How should I apply diatomaceous earth in my garden?
Diatomaceous Earth should be applied by lightly dusting it onto foliage, stems, and affected areas of plants. For an added barrier against crawling insects it can also be sprinkled around plant bases; simply remember to reapply after rain or whenever pests reemerge!
Can diatomaceous earth be used in organic gardening?
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an effective natural and organic pest control option. Look for food-grade DE labeled for organic use to ensure it satisfies organic gardening standards.
For how long does diatomaceous earth remain effective?
DE is intended to remain effective so long as it remains dry and undisturbed, though its effectiveness could decrease if exposed to moisture or blown around by strong winds; regular monitoring and reapplication may be required in such instances.
Can Diatomaceous Earth be Used Indoors for Houseplants?
Absolutely, diatomaceous earth can be used successfully indoors to control pests such as aphids, gnats, and mites in houseplants. Simply dust a light coating over the plant foliage and around pots as desired to avoid excessive dust in the air.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with pests and bugs is an inevitable battle for all gardeners.
By incorporating the use of Diatomaceous earth in your garden, you can battle these detrimental pests without adding harmful chemicals to the food you will one day be eating.
Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions and as always, Happy Gardening!
