Diatomaceous earth instead of Perlite?

Greatgardens · March 25, 2016

Has anyone used DE as a replacement (or partial replacement) for perlite in container mixes? The "kitty litter" grind seems like it would be suitable and much more consistently sized than most of the perlite I've used. It's also pretty inexpensive.

The only thing I can think of is that it might physically degrade (size) and lose its effectiveness as a "bulk" particle. (?)

-GG

Ricky Shaw · March 25, 2016

I believe the DE will be more water retentive than perlite, my impression is tit's more comparable to vermiculite. I would also like input on using this in mixes, it's clean and cheap.

RayR · March 25, 2016

DE can be used as a replacement in some cases or in addition to perlite.
I've been experimenting with granular DE for some time now, so much so that every container and every garden bed has DE in it. It's everywhere!

I use it for everything from pre-sprouting seeds, as a seed starting medium alone
or in part with coir which is now my favorite mix.

http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=32445

My experiments started here: (Super long thread)
http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=22329

The properties are somewhere in the middle between perlite and vermiculite. It doesn't degrade as an aggregate unless under physical pressure like perlite. It's water retentive like vermiculite.

clkeiper · March 25, 2016

I put it in my soil mix. The one thing I do notice is if you pull the plant out of the container the root ball does not hold together... the soil mix just falls apart, which, imo, isn't a bad thing.

Greatgardens · March 25, 2016

Thanks, guys. I'll make up a batch with maybe 50% DE of the perlite portion.

-GG

oakley · March 25, 2016

Wondering if it would have the slug cutting/killing like the fine grind powder has. I use the powder form around some tenders and hostas.
Anyone tried it? Might stay in place and less dangerous for the pups. Meaning the dust that is so bad for them as they are always sniffing low to the ground.

RayR · March 25, 2016

Quote:

Originally Posted by oakley

Wondering if it would have the slug cutting/killing like the fine grind powder has. I use the powder form around some tenders and hostas.
Anyone tried it? Might stay in place and less dangerous for the pups. Meaning the dust that is so bad for them as they are always sniffing low to the ground.

There are no insecticidal or slug harming properties to DE in granular form.

March 25, 2016	#1
Greatgardens Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,124	Diatomaceous earth instead of Perlite? Has anyone used DE as a replacement (or partial replacement) for perlite in container mixes? The "kitty litter" grind seems like it would be suitable and much more consistently sized than most of the perlite I've used. It's also pretty inexpensive. The only thing I can think of is that it might physically degrade (size) and lose its effectiveness as a "bulk" particle. (?) -GG

March 25, 2016	#4
clkeiper Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ohio Posts: 4,350	I put it in my soil mix. The one thing I do notice is if you pull the plant out of the container the root ball does not hold together... the soil mix just falls apart, which, imo, isn't a bad thing. __________________ carolyn k

March 25, 2016	#2
Ricky Shaw Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Zone 6a Denver North Metro Posts: 1,910	I believe the DE will be more water retentive than perlite, my impression is tit's more comparable to vermiculite. I would also like input on using this in mixes, it's clean and cheap.

March 25, 2016	#3
RayR Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Posts: 2,466	DE can be used as a replacement in some cases or in addition to perlite. I've been experimenting with granular DE for some time now, so much so that every container and every garden bed has DE in it. It's everywhere! I use it for everything from pre-sprouting seeds, as a seed starting medium alone or in part with coir which is now my favorite mix. http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=32445 My experiments started here: (Super long thread) http://www.tomatoville.com/showthread.php?t=22329 The properties are somewhere in the middle between perlite and vermiculite. It doesn't degrade as an aggregate unless under physical pressure like perlite. It's water retentive like vermiculite.

March 25, 2016	#6
oakley Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: NewYork 5a Posts: 2,303	Wondering if it would have the slug cutting/killing like the fine grind powder has. I use the powder form around some tenders and hostas. Anyone tried it? Might stay in place and less dangerous for the pups. Meaning the dust that is so bad for them as they are always sniffing low to the ground.