Bonsai soil mixes

[jk_lewis]

Im just trying to learn. What is it with you, are you trying to discourage newbies from the hobby.

Rick

Absolutely not. It IS helpful, however, when you try to digest 1500 different answers to a single question that you THINK about the reasons for all those many answers -- and to wonder if there mightn't be a better question to ask.

 

[RickMartin]

I take every answer i get here very seriously. and this thread has been very helpful on my decisions on my mix, and i do sit and think about what is said on every post here..I actually have a notebook here that i write things down from this thread so i can digest it more after i get off the computer. Im not a child and your answers to this thread make it sound like a am a child.I researched found it confusing, so i posted a thread. whats wrong with that.

Rick

 

[Dav4]

I take every answer i get here very seriously. and this thread has been very helpful on my decisions on my mix, and i do sit and think about what is said on every post here..I actually have a notebook here that i write things down from this thread so i can digest it more after i get off the computer. Im not a child and your answers to this thread make it sound like a am a child.I researched found it confusing, so i posted a thread. whats wrong with that.

Rick

It's all good, Rick. There have been more discussions concerning soil and fertilizers here then I can possibly remember, and it can be daunting for anyone, new or experienced, to absorb all the info found within them and then apply it. The best advice I can give you is to pick a few components that you can easily get your hands on, make your soil mix, try it, then see if it works for you. Most of us that have been doing this for a while have changed soil mixes, for one reason or another, at least a few times, and will probably change again down the road. Lastly, there is no perfect soil mix for everyone...you've got to find what works for you. Good luck.

 

[coh]

It's all good, Rick. There have been more discussions concerning soil and fertilizers here then I can possibly remember, and it can be daunting for anyone, new or experienced, to absorb all the info found within them and then apply it. The best advice I can give you is to pick a few components that you can easily get your hands on, make your soil mix, try it, then see if it works for you. Most of us that have been doing this for a while have changed soil mixes, for one reason or another, at least a few times, and will probably change again down the road. Lastly, there is no perfect soil mix for everyone...you've got to find what works for you. Good luck.

To add on - it's always a good idea to see what people are using in your area (assuming their trees are healthy). Don't know if the OP is a member of any clubs in his area but that is a good place to start. Those people will have experience both using the soil mix in that climate, and in knowing where to obtain the components.

Chris

 

[RickMartin]

Where im from i dont really know anyone doing bonsai.. i have a few clubs, one up north, and one down south. Ive contacted both of them over a month ago a haven't got a response from either. I just put whats in this thread together and start experimenting. But back to the original thought to this post. I cant find on the net or in this forum where pine bark would be of any value to my soil mix. now insulating purposes thats another story for another thread.

Thanks for your help everyone.

Rick

 

[coh]

I have a few clubs, one up north, and one down south. Ive contacted both of them over a month ago a haven't got a response from either.

That's unfortunate. I'd try again, messages get lost or misplaced, etc.

I cant find on the net or in this forum where pine bark would be of any value to my soil mix. now insulating purposes thats another story for another thread.

The value has been stated at least once or twice in this thread - pine bark holds moisture. It also probably holds some nutrients. I don't recall how its CEC compares to inorganic components though I suspect it would be higher than things like turface, pumice, lava. You certainly don't need to use pine bark and in fact, most mixes that I'm familiar with contain less than 1/3 bark.

I started some tests this spring with trident saplings. I'm comparing a number of mixes - turface/grit/bark, bagged potting soil/perlite, and "Boon mix". So far I haven't seen any significant difference in the plants. Admittedly, my sample size (15 total plants) may be too small to draw firm conclusions.

Chris

 

[M. Frary]

Where im from i dont really know anyone doing bonsai.. i have a few clubs, one up north, and one down south. Ive contacted both of them over a month ago a haven't got a response from either. I just put whats in this thread together and start experimenting. But back to the original thought to this post. I cant find on the net or in this forum where pine bark would be of any value to my soil mix. now insulating purposes thats another story for another thread.

Thanks for your help everyone.

Rick

Where up north? I'm up north!

 

[sdavis]

Looks like bark has pretty good CEC also.

 

[Anthony]

Soil mix -

freely draining
water retentive

and how you water - by hand or hose with a rose

and placement - full sun, wind.

It takes experiencing your yard to fully get the answer. Which is why it takes three to five years to learn to water ---------- you are collecting experience on various trees/shrubs.

On our side we have been using the same three ingredients in different %s, since 1980 or so.
And the answer came from an American Bonsai work book written back then.
Just grow and observe, take notes if you have to.
Good Day
Anthony

* By the way from readings in the books of the 70s and 80s, you guys already had all of the answers, even on J.B.pines.
The information seems to be continuously lost and found as books go out of publication.

Probably because this is a Hobby and not a Profession to be studied at a University.

 

[RickMartin]

Where up north? I'm up north!

Bay City area

Rick

 

[M. Frary]

Bay City area

Rick

There's a bonsai club in Bay City? Why that's only 11/2 hours south of here. What's the name? I'll be damned!
If you ever come this way shoot me a pm and we'll meet. Maybe dig a tree if it's the right time of year.

 

[RickMartin]

There's a bonsai club in Bay City? Why that's only 11/2 hours south of here. What's the name? I'll be damned!
If you ever come this way shoot me a pm and we'll meet. Maybe dig a tree if it's the right time of year.

Mike
im not home right now but when I get back I will post the name for you. Sounds like you are only a couple hours away from me as im about 25 minutes from bay city
so I could make that trip anytime.

Rick

 

[sorce]

I think any soil mix can work with PROPER OBSERVATION.

Just gotta pay close attention to watering until your mix is perfected.

When it is. More observation. Temp. Wind. Season. Soon you will know excactly when each tree needs to be watered.

Sorce

 

[Adair M]

Yes! Become a watering drone!

 

[Giga]

Didnt read every post but here my take on it.Use what works, lol. I personally bought pumice,lava,turface(I know right!?) sifted pine bark and a splash of horticortial charcoal. I sift each and then store each in a 2-5 gallon bucket according to size accordingly. Then I make a mix acordingly per whatever type of tree im potting up. This is also based on where the tree is place in my yard and my watering schedule. Also budget, it why I don't use akadama, to many trees and too pricey.

 

[sdavis]

akadama mush

Didnt read every post but here my take on it.Use what works, lol. I personally bought pumice,lava,turface(I know right!?) sifted pine bark and a splash of horticortial charcoal. I sift each and then store each in a 2-5 gallon bucket according to size accordingly. Then I make a mix acordingly per whatever type of tree im potting up. This is also based on where the tree is place in my yard and my watering schedule. Also budget, it why I don't use akadama, to many trees and too pricey.

...and in my area AKADAMA turns to mush after 365 days outside in a bonsai pot. SD

 

[RickMartin]

There's a bonsai club in Bay City? Why that's only 11/2 hours south of here. What's the name? I'll be damned!
If you ever come this way shoot me a pm and we'll meet. Maybe dig a tree if it's the right time of year.

Mike here is the info
Bay City
The San Toshi Bonsai Club
Meets every third thursday of the month @ Bay Landscaping
1630 N. Southeast
Boutell, MI

contact agkemper@hotmail.com

as i said i have contacted them twice and haven't recieved a answer.

Rick

 

[Skinnygoomba]

Are there any nurseries local to you?

A bit of patronage and some well thought out questions can go along way with a local expert nursery.

 

[RickMartin]

there is one about 1/2 mile from me but they dont do bonsai at all, i spent a hour in there last summer and none of them have any knowledge of bonsai and from what i took of the conversation they dont want to have any knowledge of it.

Rick

 

[Skinnygoomba]

Sorry I meant to say Bonsai Nurseries.