Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a natural, physical pest control made from the fossilized remains of diatoms -- single-celled aquatic organisms -- whose cell walls are made of silica, the same compound in glass. DE will slice and shred the exoskeleton of insects, and dissolve the oils and fatty acids surrounding caterpillars, dehydrating and ultimately killing insect friends and foes alike.
At the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, we apply DE when 10% or more of each leaf of a crop exhibits flea beetle damage. Carrie Hargrove demonstrates both liquid and powder applications of DE on tomatillos, and discusses how to minimize hurting beneficial bees and pollinators.
Liquid DE solution: 1-2 tbsp per quart of water
IN THIS VIDEO:
0:00 Introduction
0:44 Considerations for bees and pollinators when applying a pesticide, even an organic one
1:56 Type of damage (and pests) that can be controlled with DE
3:18 Applying DE in liquid or powder forms to tomatillos
5:54 What’s in diatomaceous earth, and how it works
7:10 Uses for DE at our urban farms
7:34 When to reapply DE throughout the season
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IMAGE CREDITS
Diatoms at 100x by Marc Perkins: www.flickr.com/photos/6020603...
Music: www.bensound.com/royalty-free...