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Home » Retail Greenhouse » Earth Friendly Gardening Products

Earth Friendly Gardening Products

Diatomite (Diatomaceous Earth)

The benefits of diatomite are well established: non-toxic pest control agent, naturally increased disease resistance for plants, and fabulous water retention and aeration properties. Diatomite is one of the "secret ingredients" that we use at Sage Garden Herbs! This natural, non-toxic substance comes from fossilized single cellular organisms that have formed deposits at the bottom of (now exposed) seabeds. Our horticultural diatomite comes from a fresh water source, which means it has very good ph for inclusion in plant growing mediums.

Available from Sage Garden Herbs in: 40L bags for just $27.95. 5 plus pricing: $24.95

Some common diatomite questions and answers:

How much diatomite do I mix into my soil?
At SGH, we recommend several recipes for using diatomite. For planters - including patio pots, hanging baskets, and indoor pots - 15% diatomite mixed throughout the potting mix is great. You can also top dress your vegetable pots with diatomite, for pest control and the benefits of the high silca content (disease resistance). There are two options for the garden; diatomite can be mixed into the soil immediately around the plants (to a depth of 6") or the diatomite can be applied to the surface of the soil immediately around plants.

How long does diatomite remain effective?
The benefits of diatomite never fade! Because diatomite will not break down, it can be reused indefinitely. If you apply it as a top dressing or mulch, you can reclaim the the diatomite at the end of the season for reuse. Old potting soil containing diatomite can be dug into garden beds, or the diatomite sifted out for reuse.

If diatomite controls slugs and snails, does it harm earthworms?
We have often had this question when talking about diatomite; those clever earthworms have a special coating that protects them against the tiny sharp edges that control other pests. So, no, diatomite will not harm earthworms.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING DIATOMITE?

High Silica Content	Silica is essential for healthy plants and roots. While DIATOMITE is approximately 85% insoluble Silica, it contains a small but significant portion that is SOLUBLE SILICA. Silica is essential for healthy plants and roots. Your plants will receive from DIATOMITE a slow release of silica resulting in healthier, more robust plants. Plant available silica has been shown in studies to stimulate SYSTEMIC ACQUIRED RESISTANCE (SAR) in plants which increases their resistance to disease.
Absorbency & Porosity	Diatomaceous Earth is naturally very porous, and can hold 150% of its weight in water. The Silica Content, natural Absorbency, and Porous qualities result in a slow release of water and nutrients to your plants, contributing to higher yields and less watering.
Capillary Action & Lateral Movement	The porosity of the DIATOMITE contributes to its ability to draw water, while moving water and nutrients laterally throughout the medium.
Air Penetration	Diatomaceous Earth is multifaceted and varies in size because each rock is unique in shape it does not compact while in the pot. This leaves pockets, allowing air to penetrate and circulate to the root zone.
Sterilized, Non-Toxic, pH Neutral	When DIATOMITE is mined it is heat treated to over 600 degrees Celsius, making it completely sterile and safe for all of your planting needs. Whether you are using 100% DIATOMITE or you are adding it to a mix of your soil it will not contribute to changes in pH.
Environmentally Friendly	Diatomaceous Earth is a fossil, making it natural, safe and an Environmentally conscious alternative. The diatomite sold at SGH is mined in accordance with Australian governmental environmental guidelines.
Long Lasting, Natural & Reusable	Diatomaceous Earth is inert and will not break down or decompose like other growing mediums. It is Natural and completely reusable. When dry, Diatomaceous Earth is extremely lightweight, making it ideal for plant shipping purposes. Because it is Reusable and Long Lasting it is economical and cost effective for long term us