TOTW First of April

Tip of the Week: 04.07.16

Now that your tomato's are out in the sun, its time to start protecting against pests.

Required Materials:

• a 2 liter soda bottle and lid
• a drill bit (anything smaller than 1/4 inch)
• or a nail and hammer
• diatomaceous earth (DE)
• does not need to be food grade or other special branding
• This or that or any diatomaceous earth you feel comfortable purchasing from any source is fine. Diatomaceous earth has many uses. Some are insect related, some are ceramic ware related (I have never seen a ceramic kiln that used bricks to insulate that did not use DE bricks. Its all the same stuff. Its a specific mud that when added to water can be formed into shapes or pulverized to dust. One form kills insects.
• What is DE? Its dirt, granted a specific kind of dirt, but still dirt and just as dangerous to you regular dirt.

Preparation of Materials:

1. Simply drill or poke to create 3 to 4 holes in the lid.



Inside of lid with holes



Outside of lid with holes

2. Put abut 1/2 cup diatomaceous earth (DE) into the dry 2 liter bottle.
3. Put the lid on the bottle
4. Squeeze the bottle to atomize or dust, the DE powder onto the plants.

The bottle is usually/mostly horizontal. The 1/2 cup recommendation is for you to become accustomed to it. After that, put all you like. Its only $8.00 for about the amount of DE you would use in a decade.

Application:

When the plant is dry and out of direct sun (late afternoon) apply liberally by squeezing bottle to atomize the DE towards the plant. Applicator should be less than a foot away. Adjust as you become proficient.