Diatomaceous Earth and the Many Benefits

Yes...This is the third Diatomaceous Earth post this year!
What can I say...I LOVE the stuff!

But before I get started I want to share a concern I had and was voiced by several customers.  If DE works on bag bugs, does it also "work" on bees?  Will it hurt the bees?
Here's my response...
From the book Going Green using Diatomaceous Earth:

"When Diatomaceous Earth is applied to crops or orchards, the honey bee tends to protect themselves by simply avoiding those blossoms already treated with DE. However, if DE does get on a bee's body, it is covered with slick hairs that are able to help prevent dehydration of body fluids.

Then the bee simply vibrates its wings to remove the dust and protect itself. However, should a bee get enough DE on it to cause death, he's the only insect that dies. Even if he makes it back to the hive, he does not contaminate the colony, as DE is not a chemical toxin."

 

Mary's Heirloom Seeds Let's talk about Diatomaceous Earth Don't Miss Out! Did you know we've added several NEW pages both at Mary's Heirloom Seeds and our blog Back to the Basics? It's true! In case you're just tuning in, we've been steadily adding to our 2014 Planting Guide. For your viewing pleasure we've made a special page with all of the growing info in one easy place. Check out Mary's 2014 Planting Guide EVENT: Edible Gardening Workshop Thursday, March 13th @6pm 2104 Tyler Street Helpful Links  Using Diatomaceous Earth in the Garden BEANS and CORN Heirloom Fruits Heirloom TOMATOES HERB Seeds Wildflower Seeds Seed Pack Combos SUPPLIES Growing Garden Huckleberry Growing Radish Growing Tomatoes Join Our Mailing List Mary's Heirloom Seeds 2104 Tyler Street Hollywood, FL 33020 (954) 654-3501 Find us at the Yellow Green Farmer's Market Booth #281 Saturday & Sunday 8am-4pm You might think we've gone "nuts" over Diatomaceous Earth.  There's been quite a buzz lately about this intriguing addition @ Mary's Heirloom Seeds. It's pronounced "DIE-A-TOE-MAY-SHUS" What is Diatomaceous earth Diatomaceous Earth ("DE") is a talc-like powder that is the fossilized remains of fresh water phytoplankton (Diatoms). When sprinkled on a bug that has an exoskeleton (such as ants or fleas) it compromises their waxy coating so that their innards turn into teeny tiny bug jerky. But it doesn't hurt our pets or humans. The DE available @ Mary's Heirloom Seeds is FOOD GRADE.  We can eat it. We do eat it! Diatomaceous Earth is a natural, organic garden pest control and household insect killer. Diatomaceous Earth kills by physical action, not chemical. It is safe for pets and people. The tiny diatoms scratch off the insect's waxy coating, and dehydrate it. DE kills spiders, roaches, silverfish, ants, fire ants, carpenter ants, bedbugs, lice, mites, earwigs, flies, fleas, box elder bugs, hair lice, scorpions, crickets and harmful insects. Diatomaceous Earth is used in the home, yard, animal housing, etc. Sprinkle a 2 inch wide border around the foundation of your house to stop insects from entering.  Click Here to see Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth Using Diatomaceous Earth in the Garden Diatomaceous Earth kills aphids, white flies, beetles, loopers, mites, snails, slugs, leaf hoppers, and harmful pests. Use Diatomaceous Earth inside your home, greenhouse or outdoors on fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains and grass. Apply Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth up to and including day of harvest. Did I mention I EAT it? Not with a spoon!  Diatomaceous Earth (DE) has been reported to absorb methyl mercury, E. coli, endotoxins, viruses (including poliovirus), organophosphate pesticide residues, and drug residues. DE is a natural organic colon cleanser and detoxifier. This cleansing and detoxification alone has a myriad of positive effects in the human body. I take 1 tablespoon in a glass of 8 ounces of water each morning on an empty stomach.  This is in no way medical advice or treatment recommendation.  If you have questions or concerns you should consult your healthcare professional.

All of the seeds listed are open-pollinated, non-gmo and non-hybrid, non-patented,  untreated, heirloom garden seeds. Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.   Seed Orders placed Monday-Thursday are shipped within 24 hours, except for holidays. Shipping on Heirloom Seeds is Free within the Continental US!