How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth to Vegetable Gardens

Protect your vegetable crops with diatomaceous earth.

Many vegetables are prone to aphids, snails and other pests. As an alternative to harmful chemical pesticides, you can apply diatomaceous earth to your soil to protect your crops. Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossils of fresh water organisms called diatoms. Although it is safe to use around humans and pets, it dehydrates and kills insects, arachnids and mollusks.

Instructions

1. Check the weather forecast to make sure it isn't going to rain in the next few days. Rain will wash away the diatomaceous earth, and you will need to reapply it.

2. Touch the soil around your plants to make sure it isn't too moist.

3. Spread diatomaceous earth in a ring around each of your plants to keep pests away. Sprinkle it on anthills or other pest homes near your garden to eliminate insects at the source.

References

• No Dig Vegetable Garden: Organic Garden Pest Control
• University of Vermont Extension: Summer Tips for the Vegetable Garden