Maidenwell Diatomite

[Redsonic]

Given the halt in supply of Mt Sylvia diatomite, I thought I would post my experience with my recent order of the Maidenwell stuff. I was used to picking up the Mt Sylvia diatomite from a produce store not far from me but for the Maidenwell, I put in an online order from these guys: D E Direct
D E stands for diatomaceous earth and they have 3 grades: fine, <2mm, and coarse (2-8mm). Instead of completing checkout online, I emailed them for a shipping cost and it worked out cheaper than the calculated amount on their website. For an idea of shipping, they are located inland from Maryborough, QLD, and I am in Brisbane. Courier cost for up to 4 x 18kg bags was $39.95.
I ordered 2 x 18kg bags of coarse and 1 x 4.5kg bag of <2mm and they were posted the next day and arrived the day after that.
The 18kg bag is similar in size to the 35L bag of 2-9mm Mt Syliva. The size distribution is also very similar; I spent this afternoon sifting it all out and rinsing it. It was a little dustier than I was used to, and had more fines but was no more crumbly than the Mt Sylvia stuff.

Sifted out, this is what I ended up with:

MaidenwellDiatomite>8mm_2Resized.jpeg

MaidenwellDiatomite>8mm_3Resized.jpeg

MaidenwellDiatomite>4.5mmResized.jpeg

MaidenwellDiatomite>2.2mm_1Resized.jpeg

MaidenwellDiatomite>1mmResized.jpeg

I hope this helps anyone considering buying the Maidenwell Diatomite. If anyone knows of a retail outlet in Brisbane that sells it, I would love to hear from you.

[kcpoole]

When did they get the oven working again?
From what I heard they could not run the oven due to OHS issues and thus it was still soft and unsuitable for Bonsai / horticultural use.

can you do a soak test for a fortnight to see how soft it gets? ) put an amount in a jar, fill with water and and leave for at least a week or 2, try and squash with fingers.
if hard will not deteriorate in pot.


Ken

[melbrackstone]

Thanks for going the hard yards on this Sonya. The very fine stuff can always be used where your pup is going to sleep in the yard....fleas don't stand a chance of breeding in it.

[Redsonic]

Thanks for the heads up on this Ken. I will do the soak test and report back before I use it in my mix.

[Redsonic]

Bad news on the Maidenwell diatomite. It has only been soaking for a few days and already I can tell it is breaking down. When I rub it between finger and thumb, a lot of it turns to a slurry/ clay-like substance. Some particles are still hard, but I can tell the stuff would be harmful to potted trees.
Oh well, looks like I have lots of expensive soil improver for my vege beds

Slurry.JPG

[melbrackstone]

[Beano]

Thanks for letting us know. I nearly bought some when I saw it here recently.