How do y’all use your Diatomaceous Earth? 🌱🦟🪴
Hey there, #GregGang! I invested in some DE to help a recent pest issue 😅 everything is contained, but because I’m always paranoid, why not do something else that can help? 🤭
I purchased a bag on Amazon with the duster. I now understand why people hate it LOL but it does the job. Now, for my questions :
How exactly do you use it? Do you just sprinkle it on any surface and let it do it’s job? Or do you mix it with anything?
I read that it can be mixed with water and the plants can be watered with it? Also sprinkling a little on the soil a few days after watering day will help prevent/fight pests. Is this true or…?
I have so many questions so please, anyone that uses it, help me out! 🙌🏽😩
#PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict #PestControl #PropagationStation #CentralTexasGang #kscapedream
I purchased a bag on Amazon with the duster. I now understand why people hate it LOL but it does the job. Now, for my questions :
How exactly do you use it? Do you just sprinkle it on any surface and let it do it’s job? Or do you mix it with anything?
I read that it can be mixed with water and the plants can be watered with it? Also sprinkling a little on the soil a few days after watering day will help prevent/fight pests. Is this true or…?
I have so many questions so please, anyone that uses it, help me out! 🙌🏽😩
#PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantAddict #PestControl #PropagationStation #CentralTexasGang #kscapedream
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@dreamlettuce I was always told to sprinkle on top of the dirt! The insects or the bugs, crawl across it, and it dries out  their exoskeleton 
I have used it outdoors and sprayed on the plant leaves to fight bugs. Recently I’m using it to try and fight fungus gnats. I put a layer (like a LOT…maybe too much) on the top of the soil to try and trap them coming and going. I’ve even put it in the bottom of my pots where they like to hang out.
A warning that I find it to clump and be pasty when wet. I bottom water but even with that some of the top gets damp and kind of clumpy. So I’m curious about mixing it with water. Maybe with the right ratio… I feel like it would be more effective dry because it coats the pests. You’re very scientific so I trust you’ll find the right method and share with us all!
A warning that I find it to clump and be pasty when wet. I bottom water but even with that some of the top gets damp and kind of clumpy. So I’m curious about mixing it with water. Maybe with the right ratio… I feel like it would be more effective dry because it coats the pests. You’re very scientific so I trust you’ll find the right method and share with us all!
@FairFicus Thats what I read too so good to know that it’s good, passed on info! Thanks a lot! 😊
@MrsFiend Ooooh! Okay sounds good. I read that if it’s sprinkled on top of the soil and then watered, it’s ineffective. Obviously I don’t know how true that is, but a few Greggers suggested to water and then sprinkler after to not get the DE wet 🤔
@MrsFiend Ooooh! Okay sounds good. I read that if it’s sprinkled on top of the soil and then watered, it’s ineffective. Obviously I don’t know how true that is, but a few Greggers suggested to water and then sprinkler after to not get the DE wet 🤔
@dreamlettuce is says on the bag it water! I’ll have to check it again, if so I watered all my plants today early for no reason🤦♀️
@dreamlettuce I used to use it when I lived in house that had no screened in porch. The squirrels in my neighborhood were literally murdering my plants in the spring. Until my coworker told me about DE. She said the squirrels didn’t care for the smell or taste and it would repeal them. She was right! I sprinkled it on top and watered it in. It took 2 or 3 treatments for them to completely leave them alone but I was so impressed on how fast it worked. I tried so many other things prior and nothing ever worked better. I also noticed faster and fuller new growth in my younger plants. I used it every spring and fall for years. Thank you for bringing this topic up. I might have to grab some when I transfer everything outside this year.
@Superkma75 Thanks a lot for your input! This helps a lot 🙌🏽
Okay so I will try both ways, sprinkling some and then I’ll be watering & will sprinkle some a few days after watering!
@WickedValkyrie just because I know you’ve used it, how do you and how does it work for you? 🤭💚🪴
Okay so I will try both ways, sprinkling some and then I’ll be watering & will sprinkle some a few days after watering!
@WickedValkyrie just because I know you’ve used it, how do you and how does it work for you? 🤭💚🪴
It doesn't do anything while it is wet .. nothing .. nada .. but the VERY MOMENT it dries BOOM it's back to full action packed strength. Make sure there is no air blowing when applying it bc it is very fine and you'll end up breathing it in. Wear gloves. Go slow. I mix it with the soils I have stored, around any area where my plants are or plant stuff is stored at, also in and around the house bc I be hatin' tf outta some bugs... Like an unrealistic hatred bruh .. anywho. I even sprinkle it on my roses but it can be an eye sore and take a while for it to completely wash off so whenever it dries, you'll see the white on it, so keep it off the pretty foliage unless you have to have it on there bc of certain pests. Great stuff just certain aspects of it can be a huge pain in the tookus.
@dreamlettuce I either use a shaker and work it into the soil or I mix it into the soil that I already have made up.
For the unfamiliar, diatomaceous earth is a powdery “soil” that’s made up of ancient fossilized algae plants called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth is mined from sediment deposits of streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans and is extremely common. It’s also extremely effective at killing indoor insect pests.
While diatomaceous earth feels like baby powder to human hands, the tiny granules actually have jagged edges that are razor-sharp to insects. The abrasive particles nick the insects’ bodies at the same time as the absorbent dust soaks up the oils in their exoskeletons, killing them by dehydration.
As mentioned, this substance is a great way to take care of your plant’s bug problem. Simply sprinkle the powder on top of the soil in your planter. For best results, do this when the soil’s surface is dry to the touch—but before your plant is in dire need of watering—since soaking up water will make it ineffective.
FROM ANOTHER SITE:
Place diatomaceous earth directly on or in the soil of your potted plant, applying it to the base using either a dry or wet mixture. Always ensure your product is food-grade, and be sure to handle it with care and safety in mind.
How Is Diatomaceous Earth Used to Help Potted Plants?
Diatomaceous earth is an excellent resource for indoor gardeners to keep their plants safe, healthy, and thriving, thanks to all of the fantastic elements it possesses.
If you are considering adding this product to your garden toolbox, you won’t be disappointed, and here is a list of reasons why.
It Is an Efficient, Non-Toxic Insecticide
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic insecticide. While this product won’t kill any pests through harsh chemicals, it is a great way to keep little critters at bay because the tiny particles are sharp and rough, cutting, dehydrating, and killing insects that try to pass by.
Aids in Root Growth and Healthy Development
Because diatomaceous earth is rich in nutrients, adding this product to your potted plants will kill harmful insects and add some elements of healthy and essential minerals to your soil.
Reduces Mold Growth
Diatomaceous earth is very absorbent and has dehydrating abilities that will help keep your soil from retaining too much water, but it can also help it by destroying mold and mildew spores that begin to form.
Eliminates Unwanted Odors
Adding diatomaceous earth to your potted plants can also help eliminate or even prevent unwanted odors that are common in many house plants. These odors typically come from mildew, mold, fungus, or moss, and this product can eliminate the smells from all of them.
7 Great Tips for Using Diatomaceous Earth in Potted Plants
Now that you know why diatomaceous earth is an excellent addition to your indoor garden tools, let’s discuss a few great tips that will help you use the product to get the optimal benefits from it.
1. Wet it Down
Adding a little water to your plant and the soil before applying diatomaceous earth will help ensure that the powder sticks in place, allowing it to do its job without simply blowing away the next time someone walks by or a breeze blows in from an open window.
While this is a great product to use when trying to go all-natural, it isn’t very effective if it doesn’t stay where you apply it.
You can also add the powder into a spray container instead of wetting the plant (although smaller potted plants do better with the dry product). To do this, add four tablespoons of your diatomaceous earth to one gallon of water, pour it into a spray bottle and shake it up well.
2. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth with a Salt Shaker
If you don’t want to use a spray bottle with a diatomaceous earth mix, you can opt to put the product into a salt shaker. Using a salt shaker will make it easier to apply the diatomaceous earth directly onto the soil and help you spot apply.
3. Add it Right to Your Potting Mix
There are many reasons why adding diatomaceous earth to your potting mix can be beneficial to your potted plants. There is the benefit of all the great nutrients and minerals dispersing throughout the soil, as well as the fact it can keep plants from developing root rot by helping to aerate the soil and dry up excess moisture.
When you add diatomaceous earth directly into your plant’s soil, always ensure you are dispersing the product evenly, allowing it to work its magic throughout the pot.
If you do not apply the product evenly, you won’t see the same results all around the plant.
Yes, diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic, and relatively safe product to use. It is a great alternative to harsh chemicals but can still cause some discomfort if you do not take the proper precautions when applying it.
Wear gloves: Because diatomaceous earth is created from sharp, rigid, and rough particles, it can cause some skin irritation if it comes into contact with your bare hands. Using a good pair of gardening gloves is ideal when applying this product.
Avoid getting it in your eyes: It’s important to either keep a safe distance when using this product or to wear eye goggles when applying. Diatomaceous earth can be very painful if it gets into your eyes and can even cause some pretty serious damage.
Never inhale diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is rough and sharp, which causes problems for anyone who inhales it.
You should always make sure children and pets are not present while applying diatomaceous earth to your potted plants. Once the process is complete and the dust has settled, there is no waiting period, and your household can resume its normal daily activities.
5. Apply Diatomaceous Earth After Each Watering
The best thing about using diatomaceous earth on house plants is that you really can’t overdo it. So, adding more after you water your plants or whenever it looks like the product is fading away is safe and won’t harm your indoor garden.
While diatomaceous earth is relatively safe for your plants, keep it from sitting on top of the flowers and leaves of your plants to ensure they don’t start to dry out.
6. Always Use Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Food grade diatomaceous earth is much better for you and your plants. Food grade diatomaceous earth is only created from natural materials that have been smashed up into tiny particles without the aid of any added chemicals.
7. Make Sure the Diatomaceous Earth Is Surrounding the Base of the Plant
No matter where you choose to put the diatomaceous earth–in the potting soil, inside a spray bottle, or in a salt shaker–make sure you always apply a decent amount of the mixture directly to the base of the plant.
Cover the entire base of the plant with an equal coating of the diatomaceous earth, as it will aid in discouraging bugs and other pests from crawling up the stems to get to the tasty leaves and flowers.
For the unfamiliar, diatomaceous earth is a powdery “soil” that’s made up of ancient fossilized algae plants called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth is mined from sediment deposits of streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans and is extremely common. It’s also extremely effective at killing indoor insect pests.
While diatomaceous earth feels like baby powder to human hands, the tiny granules actually have jagged edges that are razor-sharp to insects. The abrasive particles nick the insects’ bodies at the same time as the absorbent dust soaks up the oils in their exoskeletons, killing them by dehydration.
As mentioned, this substance is a great way to take care of your plant’s bug problem. Simply sprinkle the powder on top of the soil in your planter. For best results, do this when the soil’s surface is dry to the touch—but before your plant is in dire need of watering—since soaking up water will make it ineffective.
FROM ANOTHER SITE:
Place diatomaceous earth directly on or in the soil of your potted plant, applying it to the base using either a dry or wet mixture. Always ensure your product is food-grade, and be sure to handle it with care and safety in mind.
How Is Diatomaceous Earth Used to Help Potted Plants?
Diatomaceous earth is an excellent resource for indoor gardeners to keep their plants safe, healthy, and thriving, thanks to all of the fantastic elements it possesses.
If you are considering adding this product to your garden toolbox, you won’t be disappointed, and here is a list of reasons why.
It Is an Efficient, Non-Toxic Insecticide
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic insecticide. While this product won’t kill any pests through harsh chemicals, it is a great way to keep little critters at bay because the tiny particles are sharp and rough, cutting, dehydrating, and killing insects that try to pass by.
Aids in Root Growth and Healthy Development
Because diatomaceous earth is rich in nutrients, adding this product to your potted plants will kill harmful insects and add some elements of healthy and essential minerals to your soil.
Reduces Mold Growth
Diatomaceous earth is very absorbent and has dehydrating abilities that will help keep your soil from retaining too much water, but it can also help it by destroying mold and mildew spores that begin to form.
Eliminates Unwanted Odors
Adding diatomaceous earth to your potted plants can also help eliminate or even prevent unwanted odors that are common in many house plants. These odors typically come from mildew, mold, fungus, or moss, and this product can eliminate the smells from all of them.
7 Great Tips for Using Diatomaceous Earth in Potted Plants
Now that you know why diatomaceous earth is an excellent addition to your indoor garden tools, let’s discuss a few great tips that will help you use the product to get the optimal benefits from it.
1. Wet it Down
Adding a little water to your plant and the soil before applying diatomaceous earth will help ensure that the powder sticks in place, allowing it to do its job without simply blowing away the next time someone walks by or a breeze blows in from an open window.
While this is a great product to use when trying to go all-natural, it isn’t very effective if it doesn’t stay where you apply it.
You can also add the powder into a spray container instead of wetting the plant (although smaller potted plants do better with the dry product). To do this, add four tablespoons of your diatomaceous earth to one gallon of water, pour it into a spray bottle and shake it up well.
2. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth with a Salt Shaker
If you don’t want to use a spray bottle with a diatomaceous earth mix, you can opt to put the product into a salt shaker. Using a salt shaker will make it easier to apply the diatomaceous earth directly onto the soil and help you spot apply.
3. Add it Right to Your Potting Mix
There are many reasons why adding diatomaceous earth to your potting mix can be beneficial to your potted plants. There is the benefit of all the great nutrients and minerals dispersing throughout the soil, as well as the fact it can keep plants from developing root rot by helping to aerate the soil and dry up excess moisture.
When you add diatomaceous earth directly into your plant’s soil, always ensure you are dispersing the product evenly, allowing it to work its magic throughout the pot.
If you do not apply the product evenly, you won’t see the same results all around the plant.
Yes, diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic, and relatively safe product to use. It is a great alternative to harsh chemicals but can still cause some discomfort if you do not take the proper precautions when applying it.
Wear gloves: Because diatomaceous earth is created from sharp, rigid, and rough particles, it can cause some skin irritation if it comes into contact with your bare hands. Using a good pair of gardening gloves is ideal when applying this product.
Avoid getting it in your eyes: It’s important to either keep a safe distance when using this product or to wear eye goggles when applying. Diatomaceous earth can be very painful if it gets into your eyes and can even cause some pretty serious damage.
Never inhale diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth is rough and sharp, which causes problems for anyone who inhales it.
You should always make sure children and pets are not present while applying diatomaceous earth to your potted plants. Once the process is complete and the dust has settled, there is no waiting period, and your household can resume its normal daily activities.
5. Apply Diatomaceous Earth After Each Watering
The best thing about using diatomaceous earth on house plants is that you really can’t overdo it. So, adding more after you water your plants or whenever it looks like the product is fading away is safe and won’t harm your indoor garden.
While diatomaceous earth is relatively safe for your plants, keep it from sitting on top of the flowers and leaves of your plants to ensure they don’t start to dry out.
6. Always Use Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Food grade diatomaceous earth is much better for you and your plants. Food grade diatomaceous earth is only created from natural materials that have been smashed up into tiny particles without the aid of any added chemicals.
7. Make Sure the Diatomaceous Earth Is Surrounding the Base of the Plant
No matter where you choose to put the diatomaceous earth–in the potting soil, inside a spray bottle, or in a salt shaker–make sure you always apply a decent amount of the mixture directly to the base of the plant.
Cover the entire base of the plant with an equal coating of the diatomaceous earth, as it will aid in discouraging bugs and other pests from crawling up the stems to get to the tasty leaves and flowers.
Thanks for tagging me, beautiful!
I mostly use it by dusting my plants and surfaces with it... I do know that getting it wet makes it stop working so try not to do that very much.
Also I've found that if you do get it wet and then let it dry it can sometimes become rather cement like... 😅
Make sure your use sparingly on plants like succulents etc too... It's hygroscopic/hydrophilic which means it absorbs water from it's surroundings and I've noticed if I accidentally apply too heavily it'll suck every bit of moisture out of the leaves...
Still waiting for my coffee to kick in, så hopefully my morning ramblings make sense... Lol
I mostly use it by dusting my plants and surfaces with it... I do know that getting it wet makes it stop working so try not to do that very much.
Also I've found that if you do get it wet and then let it dry it can sometimes become rather cement like... 😅
Make sure your use sparingly on plants like succulents etc too... It's hygroscopic/hydrophilic which means it absorbs water from it's surroundings and I've noticed if I accidentally apply too heavily it'll suck every bit of moisture out of the leaves...
Still waiting for my coffee to kick in, så hopefully my morning ramblings make sense... Lol
I used to use DE for plants and chickens and j personally don’t anymore. Please use a face mask when working with it, it kills pests by slicing up their exoskeleton as it’s incredibly abrasive - so it’s damaging to our lungs when inhaled. 🌱☀️❤️