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horticultural grade diatomite

We are the only distributors in Canada providing you with DIATOMITE (Diatomaceous Earth) that comes from the Fresh Water Lakes in Australia. Our DIATOMITE comes from an Australian mine that has a fresh water origin. It is free of the contaminants and salts that make most other sources unsuitable for horticulture. We are the real deal!

what is diatomaceous earth?

DIATOMITE (Diatomaceous Earth or “DE”) is a unique freshwater diatomaceous earth source found in Australia. Diatomite consists of the fossilized skeletal remains of microscopic single celled aquatic plants known as diatoms. These small plants developed a three-dimensional silicious shell like armour for protection, upon the death of these plants the fossil shells accumulated on the beds of these (FRESH) water lakes and compacted into lightweight porous rock, similar to glacial rock deposits.

Although Diatomaceous earth is found in many places around the world only a few Fresh water deposits are pure enough to be used as a horticultural growth promoting medium. Diatomite is composed primarily of Amorphous silicon dioxide (SILICA) containing almost no detectable crystallinity, in particular no cristobalite, tridymite or quartz were detectable, at detection limits of around 0.1%. With at least 15 other major, minor and trace elements, this 100% natural organic media is a biogenic source of silica as found in all life forms.

This rich source of plant available silica is documented to stimulate Self Acquired Resistance (SAR) in plants increasing their resistance to disease. Studies show the slow release of soluble silica promotes, stronger, healthier, higher yielding plants that can mature more quickly. This is the only growing medium that energizes and actually feeds your plants.

In its non-crystalline form, Diatomite is a non-toxic, non-hazardous and environmentally friendly media. Our product is sterilized during processing so it will not swell, expand or contract and acts as an efficient thermal insulator.

Lightweight and highly absorbent Diatomite can absorb up to 150% of its own weight in water and nutrient, and releases it back to the plant as required. It minimizes leaching and run-off and significantly reduces watering.

Diatomite provides excellent lateral movement of water and nutrient throughout the media, it insulates, aerates and promotes capillary action and because it is multi-faceted, air is able to penetrate to the plants root zone without difficulty.

The PH of Diatomite is about 5.7 and has an electrical conductivity EC of 0.05 mS/cm, indicating little or no salt content making it an excellent growing medium for all plants. Diatomite can be used as a 100% hydroponics growing medium, and/or can be added to any other growing medium as well. (eg. soilless mixes, coco fibre, etc.)

Diatomite recycles as an excellent ground cover mulch which enhances aesthetic presentation without the decay which happens with barks and mulch ground covers. Diatomite when applied dry is a proven non-chemical environmentally safe product.

From orchids to grapes, all greenhouse vegetables and fruit Diatomite provides an inexpensive, lightweight quality growing media for any horticultural need.