Are you looking for something that can prevent pests from penetrating the soil? Then you must begin using the diatomaceous earth in your Garden.

Due to the lack of its expansion, many people are not familiar with the method, which is why this pest prevention method is still under-utilized in the horticulture industry.

The method of using diatomaceous earth is so beneficial that once you learn to use it, you never switch to any other way for the rest of your life!

In this blog, we will dive into what this 'diatomaceous earth in the garden' actually is. We will be covering everything from different usages to their benefits.

Shedding Light on 'Diatomaceous Earth

Some growers consider diatomaceous earth as a form of growing media. But it is more of an organic and proactive pest control technique.

These look-like tiny little rocks resembling grow stones but not too much like them. The diatomaceous earth is far more complex than the grow stones. These small little pieces of rocks are the fossilized skeleton of diatoms.

Diatoms are aquatic, single-celled, microscopic organisms. And they are composed of a natural substance called silica which many growers are familiar with.

Read our silica for plants blog to get a complete insight on what this nutrient is, how to work with it, and how it is beneficial.

Diatomaceous earth is mined in the western parts of the US. As earlier, the entire area was covered by a lake, due to which there is no scarcity of these fossilized skeletons.

How Safe is it to Use Diatomaceous Earth in the Garden?

Just like we use hydrogen peroxide and many other chemicals in our gardens, it is normal for us to use diatomaceous earth for many things. So what makes the growers use this product in their gardens?

Many farmers widely use them because of the shape and sharpness of these little chunks. The diatomaceous earth's edges are incredibly sharp and can easily slice open an insect if it tries to crawl inside your media. Imagine the tiny pieces of glass; this is what this product looks like.

They act as an obstacle for many pests trying to get inside your media, making them leave yours and search for something smoother and easier to navigate. And if these pests do not leave your plant, they eventually are sliced open and will be left to die.

Advantages of Using Diatomaceous Earth in the Garden

Diatomaceous earth has sharp edges that can cut open any insect that comes in close contact, therefore, making it an effective pest-controlling method.

And if you are planning to implement the IPM (integrated pest management) strategy, you should consider making the diatomaceous earth a part of your technique.

Diatomaceous earth can also treat the ongoing infestation in your media. You can sprinkle the diatomaceous earth around the media and reduce any advancements made by the pests.

Another reason many growers are attracted to this product is that it is chemical-free. It takes away the ability of the pests to build an immunity against them.

The Different Kinds of Bugs Diatomaceous Earth Kills in the Garden

Versatility is another aspect of the diatomaceous earth that increases its demand among the growers. Many insecticides target only one kind of pests or, sometimes, even just one insect. Whereas with diatomaceous soil, you can kill multiple types of pests and bugs at once.

Therefore, with this product's help, you can target every pest or insect. From crawling insects to the ones that fly, it is effective on almost every insect. But it mainly works well on soft-bodied problems as they are easy to cut and kill.

Listed below are some of the most common pests found in the home garden that the diatomaceous earth can easily combat;

• Bed Bugs
• Cockroaches
• Flea
• Beetles
• Slugs and Snails
• Earwigs
• Spider Mites
• Aphids
• Caterpillars

The list above provides the names of the most common insects, which you can treat and prevent, but this list can go long because diatomaceous earth can kill just about any bug that tries to enter your media.

Is Diatomaceous Earth Harmful to Plants?

So far, we've only heard good about this product, but one question that must prevail in your mind is 'Does diatomaceous earth harm plants?’

The answer is no. It is non-toxic to plants. Not only plants, but it also is not harmful to humans and your furry friends (pets). Like another insecticide, it does not affect the consumption of flowers or vegetables.

However, at all costs, you should cover your eyes and hands while using this product. The dust can irritate your eyes and lungs.

However, there are concerns of some farmers that it might damage the roots of the plant. But that will only happen if you spread it around the bases. Sprinkle it over the soil, so it has no contact with the roots.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth in the Garden?

You may want to learn how frequently you should apply this product, its rate, and whether you should sprinkle this product inside or around your media before buying one. We're going to get into all of it!

Should I Use Diatomaceous Earth Frequently?

Always use the diatomaceous earth when your plant's soil is dry. It is incredibly sharp and effective while it is dry. It loses its quality once it becomes soggy.

You do not need to re-apply after watering your plants every time. It dries out automatically and retains its original form.

If you water your plants 3-4 times per week, you should consider applying it every few weeks. And if your area has a relatively high humidity level or has frequent rains, you must apply diatomaceous earth even more frequently.

What is the Proportion of Diatomaceous Earth that I Can Put in my Potting Soil?

First and foremost, the step is to read the label of the product you are about to use. Every product has different manufacturing, so it is better to read the description before applying it to your plant.

But if you're looking to apply dry to your media, make sure you take necessary precautions before spreading it around the soil. And be sure to cover all the edges of the garden pot.

The best time to apply diatomaceous earth is when you have recently watered your plants or if it has rained recently. The wet edges of the soil or pot will make the product stick to the base.

Can you Dilute Diatomaceous Earth in Water and Spray?

Dilution question is one of the most common questions among the new growers. At the same time, we have already mentioned that this product works best when dry. However, you can also spray it.

Perform misting by spraying the product on your media; it dries and immediately begins working once it has completely dried out.

We recommend you dilute and spray the product all over the media so that every corner is covered. Using this strategy will make the product more effective. The purpose behind doing so is that the dry form can easily miss the target while applying it. You can witness this in a room with fans or open ventilation.

You can use the garden spray or atomizer and mix the product at 2 cups per gallon of water. Keep shaking your mixture from time to time so that it does not settle at the bottom of the bottle.

How Quickly Does the Diatomaceous Earth Work?

Working time depends on the number of pests around the plant or in your Garden. It also depends on the form you choose to apply your product in.

The movement of the pests makes your product spread eradicate more quickly, and if you apply it dry, it will immediately begin its work. However, if you use diluted, it will wait until it dries and then work its magic.

Which Diatomaceous Earth is best to Use in the Garden?

As we have mentioned earlier, that diatomaceous earth is not meant to be used just for the Garden, so you must pick the one made specifically for garden use.

Safer Brand: It is the best brand you can use for gardens, as this brand has a reputation for having effective pest control products.

Safer Brand Diatomaceous Earth: It is a must-have for every home grower.

This is undoubtedly the best investment for your plants, as it not only prevents but also kills pests all kinds of pests!

Since its OMRI was listed, it has passed the most challenging and strictest testing standards and has yet proved to be one of the best. And this is what sets this product apart from its competitors.

The Safer Brand's diatomaceous earth consists of Silicon dioxide, which is considered the most effective diatomaceous earth of all time! So with this product, you are getting the best!

How to Use the Diatomaceous Earth in a Nutshell

In this blog, we discussed diatomaceous earth in detail with its forms, ratios, and everything that comes in between—making this product's application much easier!

So grab the Safer Brand's diatomaceous earth from GroIndoor.com and start protecting your plants now!