estorms
Senior Member
Posts: 263
Joined: Thu Dec 15, 2011 7:04 am
Location: Greenfield Township, PA

Infested iris toes

I dug up almost all my iris today. (I know, they should be dug in the fall) There are little holes in the toes. (root maggots?) Whatever it is, I don't feel comfortable giving them away. I would like to dig up the rest of them and then treat the soil before I plant anything else there. I have heard about putting diatomatous earth down and mixing it with the soil. If it kills grubs and snails by cutting their bodies, what will the dust do to my skin, or my lungs if I should breathe some in?

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rainbowgardener
Super Green Thumb
Posts: 25279
Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2009 6:04 pm
Location: TN/GA 7b

I have no idea if the DE will work against your root worms. But it is harmless to you. You eat it all the time, since grain in silos is treated with it, to keep weevils and other insects out of it. Be sure you look for "food grade" diatomaceous earth, not the stuff used in swimming pool filters. Some people take it as a food supplement.



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