[Arid_gardener] Diatomaceous Earth - Fresh Water VS Salt Water

[Suzanne Vilardi]

Yesterday someone recommended buying Diatomaceous Earth (DE) at pool stores
for use in the garden.  I am not a master gardener and have just started
using DE in my garden but have been told numerous times NOT to use the pool
store type.  According to the Website:
http://www.reade.com/Products/Minerals_and_Ores/diatomaceous_earth.html,

There are 2 types of DE, salt water and fresh water.  I am pretty sure the
type sold in pool stores is salt water and the type sold at Berridge
Nurseries and Baker Nursery is fresh water.  I also think the salt water DE
may be more toxic to dogs and cats. Perhaps an expert Master Gardener can
set us straight?

FYI, I just saw garden suitable DE at Berridge Nurseries yesterday.  They
are located at 4647 E. Camelback, phone is 602.952.8080.  They were well
stocked with packaged seed too, unlike Baker's and Summer Winds, who don't
seem to have restocked yet.  Rgds, Suzanne Vilardi