Question
I'm trying to use an organic product to rid my garden of snails and slugs that are piggin out on my broccoli plants. I've read diatomaceous earth is good, however, I cannot find any clear cut answer anywhere of what particularly to use.  Orchard Supply recommended Safer Brand, Ant & crawling Insect Killer, 77% silicon dioxide from diat. earth, but 22% "other" ingredients of "patented baits".  Is this stuff ok to use around plants my family will be eating???  Thank you!

Answer
Kim, diatomaceous earth is an organic product, but not if it is mixed with silicon dioxide. Personally, I use a product made from iron phosphate. There are two products available with iron phosphate. One is called Escar-Go; the other is Sluggo. Both are purely organic and can be used safely in the vegetable garden.

By the way, diatomaceous earth is effective if slugs crawl over it. The product is made of crush fossilized shells that cut their body. I use this product for ants. The advantage of iron phosphate for slugs is that they are attracted to the smell. Once they eat the product, it destroys their digestive tract, and they perish shortly after.

Attached are links to these products.

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/sluggo.html
http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=2111
http://www.planetnatural.com/site/diatomaceous-earth.html

I hope this information helps. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike