Diatomaceous Earth as a seed starting medium

BigVanVader · February 12, 2015

Just to update I have started almost all of my pepper/tomato/eggplant seeds in DE this year and have had no issues of any kind. Although I didn't have any in Metromix 360 either, the germination has been much faster in DE and the % of seeds germinated has improved around 25%. This could possibly be due to other factors such as source of seeds etc but I think its likely the DE.

The only thing I don't like about DE is that unless you use clear containers it is hard to tell if they need watering or not since the top dries out so fast. How often do you guys water your seedlings in DE? I have been doing it 2x a week and spraying the top until most of the seeds have fully germinated.
I have had a little mold growth here and there but it hasn't caused any issues and I haven't lost any plants.

Thanks to everyone who has helped this thread spread knowledge

February 12, 2015	#11
BigVanVader Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Greenville, South Carolina Posts: 3,099	Just to update I have started almost all of my pepper/tomato/eggplant seeds in DE this year and have had no issues of any kind. Although I didn't have any in Metromix 360 either, the germination has been much faster in DE and the % of seeds germinated has improved around 25%. This could possibly be due to other factors such as source of seeds etc but I think its likely the DE. The only thing I don't like about DE is that unless you use clear containers it is hard to tell if they need watering or not since the top dries out so fast. How often do you guys water your seedlings in DE? I have been doing it 2x a week and spraying the top until most of the seeds have fully germinated. I have had a little mold growth here and there but it hasn't caused any issues and I haven't lost any plants. Thanks to everyone who has helped this thread spread knowledge