Diatomaceous Earth For Plants

gardener sprinkling diatomaceous earth on garden plants

Our diatomaceous earth is one of the best natural pest control methods, compared to using chemical pesticides against garden pests. This isn't diatomaceous earth for pool filters, diatomaceous earth in the garden is for plants! Safe for pets and children, diatomaceous earth works to kill crawling insects by dehydrating them to death on a microscopic level. Now this action does not interfere with any growth cycle of the plant and does not adjust the PH of soil if it gets washed into it. You simply apply a visible application to the plants and/or ground. Try to find a few days of dry weather at least and leave it without disturbing it. I tend to do this 2-3 times a month during the growing cycle. This seems to control squash beetles and other crawling insects well for me here in Nebraska. While limiting harmful insects in your garden, be sure to avoid applying in excess as diatomaceous earth does not discriminate between pests and beneficial insects.

Food grade diatomaceous earth, also called diatomite, diatomaceous earth de, or food grade de, is a naturally occurring, single celled organism called diatoms. The crushed shells of the fossilized remains of these aquatic organisms, kill insects by getting the sharp edges of the product stuck on the soft body of a crawling insect. Once on the insect, the insect simply dehydrates to death. For added pest control for insect pests like spider mites, mix 1 cup of diatomaceous earth to one gallon water and spray onto plants. Be sure to get the tops and bottoms of leaves just to the point of run off. Once it dries, it will leave a powder stick of film of diatomaceous earth, which is deadly to spider mites and other smaller crawling insect pests.

How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth to Kill Garden Insects

Garden insects eating a garden plant leaf

Firstly, all you need is Crawling Insect Control Diatomaceous Earth, and either an inexpensive JT Eaton Red Insecticide Duster or the more heavy duty Dustin-Mizer Powder Duster. For very large agricultural applications, most customers go for our diatomaceous earth bundle deals to get maximum savings to kill those pesky insects.

For applying diatomaceous earth to kill garden insects, use a duster and cover entire plant, applying to both the top and bottoms of leaves. Crawling Insect Control Diatomaceous Earth will need reapplication after a heavy rain. Applies best when there is dew or after a light rain. It is a long lasting, effective powder as long as it is visible and dry.

One of the benefits of diatomaceous earth is you can side dress plants or form a circle, as a barrier, around the base of the plant. Insects cannot build up resistance or immunity to diatomaceous earth as they do with chemicals. Wear a dust mask when applying large amounts. Otherwise, just avoid direct inhalation into your respiratory system with using baby powder or any fine powder.