Diatomaceous Earth as a seed starting medium - Page 23

RayR · January 27, 2013

Everybody's busy.

Way too early for tomatoes for me, but my onions are doing well.
Started off with a germination test on 12/23/12 to check seed viability before I started my other experiments in the beginning of January. (More on that later)

The only changes I did this year for my organic grow was I inoculated with BIOTAMAX early on, I needed a food source for the microherd in the inert media, I have some Roots Organics Trinity on hand, which seemed to fit perfectly for the task. Trinity is a low NPK supplement (.1-.5-25) made of Molasses, Yucca Extract, Kelp Extract, Soy Protein Hydrolysate, Humic Acid, Quillaja Saponiaria and Aloe Extract. Later on after the emergence of true leaf I started using the General Organics line of nutrients and supplements. Also innoculated with MYCOGROW SOLUBLE at that point. The strategy seems to be working well, growth rate and leaf height is greater than last year.

The pic shows Lilia Onion only but my Spanish Onion and Dorata DiParma Onion are doing the same.

b54red · January 28, 2013

Due to the very unusually warm temperatures over the past few days one weakness of the DT has emerged. It dries out faster than other seed starting mediums so I need to keep a closer eye on it. For the past few days the seedlings in the greenhouse getting the full advantage of the sun during the day have needed to be bottom watered daily. I don't want to leave them in a watering tray because of the danger of damping off so I am having to water frequently. It is nice how quickly the DT absorbs the water so it doesn't take too long.

BruceinGa · January 28, 2013

I have been in Florida for the past 5 days and was concerned that my trays would dry out. I returned yesterday to see that all is well!! My tomatoes plants are now about an inch tall.

Delerium · January 28, 2013

I am also trying it out DE for fun. I am trying different mixes to see how they will turn out.

b54red · February 4, 2013

Ray I transplanted my onion seedlings that I started in the DE on Saturday. You were sure right about how much easier it was to separate the plants. I just let the DE dry out fairly well and then dumped out the whole pot and shook the seedlings and the DE just fell away and the seedlings were easy to separate. I couldn't believe the size of the root structure. I have never had onion seedlings with such a huge root structure at plant out time.

Still no damping off of any of my tomato seedlings for the first time ever in my greenhouse. We have had sunnier weather than usual this time of year and that could be a factor; but even so I should have had at least some damping off by now. Keeping my fingers crossed.

I know this is becoming redundant Ray but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Bill

livinonfaith · February 4, 2013

Yes, it is clear that the DE is better than the seed starting mixes I've used before.

The germination on my rootstock has been much higher than what is listed on the package. The package said 87% and I've gotten at least 95%.

Not bad!

clkeiper · February 4, 2013

I purchased the DE from Autozone, but only after I had my seeds started, so as soon as they germinated I sprinkled the DE over the plants and the algae is not the problem it was last year. Anytime I see a little beginning patch I smother it with the DE....WOW! does it look better this year than any other year before. I am impressed!

zeroma · February 4, 2013

I went to Autozone for my supply of DE yesterday. 33 pound bag. I'm not starting a forset of tomato seeds, only up to 100 or so, I'm hoping to mix some DE into a good brand of bagged growing soil.

I know someone did a mix of 20% up to 50% of DE with soil, has anyone got any more experience of using DE plus potting soil? I'd love to hear about your experiences.

RayR · February 4, 2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeroma

I went to Autozone for my supply of DE yesterday. 33 pound bag. I'm not starting a forset of tomato seeds, only up to 100 or so, I'm hoping to mix some DE into a good brand of bagged growing soil.

I know someone did a mix of 20% up to 50% of DE with soil, has anyone got any more experience of using DE plus potting soil? I'd love to hear about your experiences.

Zeroma, the 33lb bag at Autozone is not DE, the Ultrasorb DE comes in a 15lb bag.

zeroma · February 4, 2013

Oh crap. I had a feeling that it wasn't right. I didn't see the "Ultrasorb" on the bag and almost walked away. What was that saying my teacher used to say when answering those multi choice questions. "If you're not sure, go with the first one that pooped into your head". Go with your gut.... Oh crap.

I didn't see any small bags, now I know why. I asked for ultrasorb and the clerk pointed it out.

I bought it on our way home from visiting my daughter 5 hours away. I'm sure I can return it to our local store, but I thought I had gotten such a great deal. I even got a $10.00 off rebate for buying it. It was just $6.99.

So what does a person do with 33 pounds of crap. okay enough. If it were crap, I'd know what to do with it LOL.

Thank you Ray

RayR · February 4, 2013

Zeroma, you got any cats? It makes a great cat litter.

It isn't crap, the clay absorbent you bought is MONTMORILLONITE CLAY, a form of hard weathered volcanic ash, it is a bit on the acidic side but it's rich in minerals, has a high cation exchange, and is pretty structurally stable, so it would make a fine soil amendment. I just wouldn't start seeds in it (I already tried that) because of its acidity.

The Ultrasorb bag isn't that much smaller, DE is just a lot lighter in weight than the clay.

zeroma · February 4, 2013

No cat. I will use it as an amendment. Guess it's time for a soil test so I really know what it needs. Thanks so much for your wealth of information. I knew the reason I needed Ultrasorb was because of the acidity.

Father'sDaughter · February 4, 2013

Well, I'll confess to having completely ignored this thread since it started. Little did I know what I was missing!

I did have problems with a few tomato and pepper seeds last year, and mixed results with starting cilantro, lettuce and spinach in the past. Can't wait to give the DE a try this year!

Thanks to all who've posted their tips, techniques, and results. I have to stop at Autozone for a new headlight bulb for my car anyway, and will be adding ultrasorb to my shopping list!

Rockporter · February 5, 2013

Don't get lost in the excitement when you see bags of DE at the front of the store, those are the ones that are not what you want(at least at my stores) and it is what I first picked up and had to exchange it. What you want is near the oils.

b54red · February 5, 2013

In the stores here when it is even in stock I have found it near the oils in the corner and only one bag each time. They always have the large bags near the front but the UltraSorb is almost hidden if available at all.

February 4, 2013	#337
clkeiper Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ohio Posts: 4,350	I purchased the DE from Autozone, but only after I had my seeds started, so as soon as they germinated I sprinkled the DE over the plants and the algae is not the problem it was last year. Anytime I see a little beginning patch I smother it with the DE....WOW! does it look better this year than any other year before. I am impressed! __________________ carolyn k

February 5, 2013	#344
Rockporter Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Texas Coastal Bend Posts: 3,205	Don't get lost in the excitement when you see bags of DE at the front of the store, those are the ones that are not what you want(at least at my stores) and it is what I first picked up and had to exchange it. What you want is near the oils. __________________ In the spring at the end of the day you should smell like dirt ~Margaret Atwood~

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January 28, 2013	#332
b54red Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 7,068	Due to the very unusually warm temperatures over the past few days one weakness of the DT has emerged. It dries out faster than other seed starting mediums so I need to keep a closer eye on it. For the past few days the seedlings in the greenhouse getting the full advantage of the sun during the day have needed to be bottom watered daily. I don't want to leave them in a watering tray because of the danger of damping off so I am having to water frequently. It is nice how quickly the DT absorbs the water so it doesn't take too long.

January 28, 2013	#333
BruceinGa Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Marietta, Ga Posts: 83	I have been in Florida for the past 5 days and was concerned that my trays would dry out. I returned yesterday to see that all is well!! My tomatoes plants are now about an inch tall.

February 4, 2013	#335
b54red Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 7,068	Ray I transplanted my onion seedlings that I started in the DE on Saturday. You were sure right about how much easier it was to separate the plants. I just let the DE dry out fairly well and then dumped out the whole pot and shook the seedlings and the DE just fell away and the seedlings were easy to separate. I couldn't believe the size of the root structure. I have never had onion seedlings with such a huge root structure at plant out time. Still no damping off of any of my tomato seedlings for the first time ever in my greenhouse. We have had sunnier weather than usual this time of year and that could be a factor; but even so I should have had at least some damping off by now. Keeping my fingers crossed. I know this is becoming redundant Ray but THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Bill

February 4, 2013	#336
livinonfaith Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina Posts: 1,332	Yes, it is clear that the DE is better than the seed starting mixes I've used before. The germination on my rootstock has been much higher than what is listed on the package. The package said 87% and I've gotten at least 95%. Not bad!

February 4, 2013	#338
zeroma Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2012 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 637	I went to Autozone for my supply of DE yesterday. 33 pound bag. I'm not starting a forset of tomato seeds, only up to 100 or so, I'm hoping to mix some DE into a good brand of bagged growing soil. I know someone did a mix of 20% up to 50% of DE with soil, has anyone got any more experience of using DE plus potting soil? I'd love to hear about your experiences.

February 4, 2013	#340
zeroma Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2012 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 637	Oh crap. I had a feeling that it wasn't right. I didn't see the "Ultrasorb" on the bag and almost walked away. What was that saying my teacher used to say when answering those multi choice questions. "If you're not sure, go with the first one that pooped into your head". Go with your gut.... Oh crap. I didn't see any small bags, now I know why. I asked for ultrasorb and the clerk pointed it out. I bought it on our way home from visiting my daughter 5 hours away. I'm sure I can return it to our local store, but I thought I had gotten such a great deal. I even got a $10.00 off rebate for buying it. It was just $6.99. So what does a person do with 33 pounds of crap. okay enough. If it were crap, I'd know what to do with it LOL. Thank you Ray

February 4, 2013	#341
RayR Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Posts: 2,466	Zeroma, you got any cats? It makes a great cat litter. It isn't crap, the clay absorbent you bought is MONTMORILLONITE CLAY, a form of hard weathered volcanic ash, it is a bit on the acidic side but it's rich in minerals, has a high cation exchange, and is pretty structurally stable, so it would make a fine soil amendment. I just wouldn't start seeds in it (I already tried that) because of its acidity. The Ultrasorb bag isn't that much smaller, DE is just a lot lighter in weight than the clay.

February 4, 2013	#342
zeroma Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2012 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 637	No cat. I will use it as an amendment. Guess it's time for a soil test so I really know what it needs. Thanks so much for your wealth of information. I knew the reason I needed Ultrasorb was because of the acidity.

February 4, 2013	#343
Father'sDaughter Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: MA/NH Border Posts: 4,919	Well, I'll confess to having completely ignored this thread since it started. Little did I know what I was missing! I did have problems with a few tomato and pepper seeds last year, and mixed results with starting cilantro, lettuce and spinach in the past. Can't wait to give the DE a try this year! Thanks to all who've posted their tips, techniques, and results. I have to stop at Autozone for a new headlight bulb for my car anyway, and will be adding ultrasorb to my shopping list!

February 5, 2013	#345
b54red Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 7,068	In the stores here when it is even in stock I have found it near the oils in the corner and only one bag each time. They always have the large bags near the front but the UltraSorb is almost hidden if available at all.