Tending to a garden brings bountiful joy and beauty, but it also has its share of issues. Anytime you’re dealing with the natural world, there are certain environmental elements—such as weather and pests—that can negatively impact the experience. Organic gardening limits the options for dealing with these issues, since chemical methods are out. However, there are still effective ways of nurturing your plants the all-natural way. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is one product that offers several benefits to organic gardening.

What is Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring siliceous sedimentary mineral formed from fossilized skeletons of microscopic water plants. The remains of these single-celled aquatic organisms, called diatoms, leave chalky deposits known as diatomite. These are mined and ground into a mineral-rich powder that contains magnesium, sodium, iron, calcium, and silicon.

There are many different uses for DE, so it’s important to pay attention to the type of product you purchase before applying it around your home and garden. Food grade DE is the one organic gardeners choose. Even though this type is safer for use around people and pets, it’s still crucial to follow product instructions and know how to properly apply the product.

How to Use DE in the Garden

There are a few ways DE can be applied to plants:

• Liquid. Mix DE with water and spray it on plants. Focus on hard-to-reach areas like the undersides of leaves.
• Dry. There are applicators specially designed to dust the top and underside of plants with DE.

This dry option is easier right after a light rain or when morning dew sticks the dust to the foliage. However, too much water can cause the mineral to clump and become less effective. Extra caution is required during any dry application, as dust can get into the air and cause irritation if inhaled. Wear eye protection and a mask and keep pets and children out of the area until the dust has settled.

Keep in mind that DE is more effective when dry. Allow the spray to dry completely and reapply after heavy rain or watering. Multiple applications may be needed throughout the growing season for full effectiveness.

Also remember that DE can be harmful to beneficial insects. It’s recommended to keep it away from flowers or plants frequented by pollinators.

How DE Benefits Plants

Organic gardeners use DE around plants for a variety of reasons:

• Slugs, snails and other soft-bodied insects don’t like to crawl over the sharp material.
• It’s not harmful to worms, beneficial microorganisms, birds, or other wildlife.
• DE doesn’t break down in the sun.
• It improves soil structure so plants have more access to nutrients.
• Silica strengthens plant cell walls, making them healthier and more resilient.
• Contains micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron for plants to absorb.
• Chemical-free deodorizer for compost areas or spots where pets frequently relieve themselves.
• Porous structure increases drainage, air circulation, and holds fertilizers for roots to access.

Because of its many uses and benefits, gardeners often choose DE as an organic soil amendment. Before turning to chemical options, try DE first to help boost plant health and vitality.