D.E. apply to top soil?

[Noonin NorCal]

Is there any special way to apply it? I know to do it when soil is dry. But should i even wait an extra day so my soil is bone dry on the top? I been finding lots of little fuckers crawling around not fliers but little bugs crawling, I've also noticed on a few plants ants crawling around on my top soil. Im thinking i might have some root rot, or something bad? Thanks

 

[Noonin NorCal]

Sorry for all the questions, i forgot to ask. Does the stuff actually stop working once water hits it? Thanks again

 

[Oakhills]

It has to be dry, stay dry to be effective. I had Rollie Pollies chewing my stems last year and tried the DE to keep them off. Seed to work OK until any moisture came in contact with it, then the pill bugs could walk right over it. Had to keep applying it, but taking the old moist DE off first.

Good luck with it and wear a respirator

 

[DuskrayTroubador]

if it has to stay totally dry, what good is it?

We do have to water plants after all.

 

[Noonin NorCal]

I won't need a respirator i will wear latex gloves. should i scratch it into the soil like a top dress, or just sprinkle a layer over the soil? Is there a certain time of day applying it also or does it not matter? thanks

 

[Oakhills]

if it has to stay totally dry, what good is it?

We do have to water plants after all.

Yep, PIA... Apply around the base of the stalk and water around it. I gave up using it after a couple weeks. Even the moisture in the stalk can ruin its properties....