What’s your latest Bonsai related purchase?

[Paradox]

About escaping soil - I do not think it can happen with small holes.
My smallest setting is 4 mm = ⁵/₃₂ inch = 0.15 inch and it should be less than the regular bonsai soil grade.

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I have used similar for training pots.
The problem with them is the plastic is not treated for UV exposure for use in a greenhouse/outside. Anderson flats and horticulture trays usually are unless they are meant for one use only for sterile reasons.

So these will start to deteriorate in the sun and weather and get brittle. How many years you get out of them will depend on the thickness and type of plastic.

I would also be concerned with how thin the mesh is on the bottom. If it can't hold the weight of the soil and tree, it will cause stress and break. So you'll have to watch that too. The additional mesh will help reinforce it somewhat but will only go so far.

That said, you'll probably get a couple of years, maybe 3 before they get brittle and start to break apart. I have some trees I desperately need to repot next year because the plastic storage containers I used for cheap training pots are breaking. I've now started to buy plastic training pots for bonsai instead because they are more durable.

 

[Paradox]

I bought those same containers for the same reason xD. I wanted some seedling trays with a mesh bottom, but I didn't want to put in for an order from Anderson just yet. I'll either want to get a production line going for seedlings or get a group buy before I go with Anderson.

I use window screen (smaller then 1/8in) on the bottom as I am using my waste extra fines from sifting as a medium for my indoor starts. Pictured is a tray of grass for my cat (cause he is spoiled and I don't want him eating my other plants).

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I started with a root rake, but I found that I prefer using bamboo or metal chopsticks to clear the clutter. I found the rake to be too aggressive at times and it ripped roots apart rather then teasing them apart. I still need to finish my wooden root rake that 'should' be more gentle on the roots to test if I just don't like the rake.

Take a look at Greenhouse Megastore. They sell a lot of different kinds of propagating trays that might work for a cheaper price than Anderson flats. I love the Anderson flats for large training pots for larger trees but the are tough to get shipped to you these days.

Seed Starting Trays & Planting Trays - Greenhouse Megastore

Ready to start your own garden? Give your seeds some extra help with Seed Starting Planting Trays, 1020 Trays, Pots and more from Greenhouse Megastore.

www.greenhousemegastore.com

 

[Paradox]

Normally not a fan of S curve Chinese elms… However saw that Wigert’s put up some new Chinese elms and this one peaked my interest with a 3”base and pretty decent taper. Price was a steal.

Last tree purchase for a while. I am weak

Lol that was me last year with the one I bought from them

 

[Kievnstavick]

Take a look at Greenhouse Megastore. They sell a lot of different kinds of propagating trays that might work for a cheaper price than Anderson flats. I love the Anderson flats for large training pots for larger trees but the are tough to get shipped to you these days.

Seed Starting Trays & Planting Trays - Greenhouse Megastore

Ready to start your own garden? Give your seeds some extra help with Seed Starting Planting Trays, 1020 Trays, Pots and more from Greenhouse Megastore.

www.greenhousemegastore.com

Thanks for the advice. I actually planned on browsing their website sometime tomorrow to see what they have for offer.

 

[Michigan Tree Murderer]

 

[Mats Hagström]

got three Nothofagus cunninghamii from Far Reaches Farm. This will be my second Nothofagus after starting a few N Oliqua trees. The Cunningham seem ideal for bonsai. Time will tell.

Nothofagus cunninghamii​

 

[Deleted member 47471]

Purchased a Hinoki Cypress to Bonsai
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2 feet+ height
2.5”-3”+ trunk diameter

Wrapped in burlap and heeled in ground and had bark around it

Keeping it this way at home now (will update pics tomorrow) and hoping to pot into growing container in 2024 to continue development

Transplanted in doubled burlap (and zip tied snuggly at base) covered and surrounded in straw and pine bark, and will be covering each night for extra protection. This is sufficient.

Since this is my first time temporarily having a tree heeled into the ground and wrapped in x2 burlap (until Spring then going into pot for further development), what is your best recommendation for watering/frequency/checking for its need? Thank you!

 

[Maiden69]

When I look at Build A Soil today, their price is $19.95 per 1/2 cu. ft. vs my price at Rocky Mountain @ $29.95 per 1 cu. ft.

The shipping was the bad part for my order @ $81.05 for the cheapest cost available to Virginia.

I will still investigate Build A Soil since they have a store 5 miles from me.

Hmmmm, just checked right now. $16.50 for 1 cubic foot.


Their 1/2 cubic foot is shipped USPS flat rate and it's $31.90, so even buying 4 of the 1/2 CuF would be cheaper at $127.50 vs $140.95 for 2 of the RM 1CuF + 81.05 for shipping.


This was my last order on Aug 2023.


If you have a store local I would definitely go by and see what they have in store.

 

[rockm]

Got an extremely large new pot for my live oak. Spent some time looking around for this....Might be a little too big--(effing thing weighs 55 lbs empty).

FWIW, came from Wigert's as they seem to have the largest supply of the largest good bonsai pots in the country. Lotus International in Athens, Ga. has a lot of big pots, but they don't ship. Wigert's does (has to come freight if it's over 20", as Fedex proper won't ship that big--Fedex Freight does though( arrived undamaged Thank God).

If you have or aspire to having large bonsai, big pots are sobering...

 

[NashsMan]

Hmmmm, just checked right now. $16.50 for 1 cubic foot.
View attachment 521348

Their 1/2 cubic foot is shipped USPS flat rate and it's $31.90, so even buying 4 of the 1/2 CuF would be cheaper at $127.50 vs $140.95 for 2 of the RM 1CuF + 81.05 for shipping.
View attachment 521349

This was my last order on Aug 2023.
View attachment 521350

If you have a store local I would definitely go by and see what they have in store.

So, I went to my local store this afternoon---not actually a Build A Soil store but they do carry their pumice. 1 cu.ft.= $37.79--not actually a great deal but better than my recent purchase.

This store is there to cater to cannabis growers but they do have other fertilizers, Clonex in large bottles, pond baskets, etc. so I will definitely be a good customer.
No lava though! They carried it for a bit but not enough people bought it.

 

[IzzyG]

Not the clearest photos but added a raw RMJ that Randy collected this past year. Saw it earlier in the year and figured it would be a fun one in a couple of years.

 

[Deleted member 47471]

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Not the clearest photos but added a raw RMJ that Randy collected this past year. Saw it earlier in the year and figured it would be a fun one in a couple of years.

Nice piece of material there. Also, I found creatures within it.

 

[Cajunrider]

Got an extremely large new pot for my live oak. Spent some time looking around for this....Might be a little too big--(effing thing weighs 55 lbs empty).

FWIW, came from Wigert's as they seem to have the largest supply of the largest good bonsai pots in the country. Lotus International in Athens, Ga. has a lot of big pots, but they don't ship. Wigert's does (has to come freight if it's over 20", as Fedex proper won't ship that big--Fedex Freight does though( arrived undamaged Thank God).

If you have or aspire to having large bonsai, big pots are sobering...

Uh huh.
The thought of getting pots for Batman, Robin, or the Twin Tower scares me. I have 3 years to save up for those things.

 

[rockm]

Uh huh.
The thought of getting pots for Batman, Robin, or the Twin Tower scares me. I have 3 years to save up for those things.

Price is only one part of the sober...This pot weighs 55 lbs empty. I'm estimating it will weigh in excess of 150 lbs, possibly as much as 200, with soil and tree. I could move the tree before by myself the sheer bulk and weight of the new one probably not let me move it alone. That means I will not be able to get it out of excessive cold in late autumn and early spring easily. The solution to that is to get a pop up greenhouse that can be put up quickly when there's dangerous cold snaps in fall and particularly spring. I also have to reinforce the stand and platform to support it. More than a few contingencies...

 

[Cajunrider]

Price is only one part of the sober...This pot weighs 55 lbs empty. I'm estimating it will weigh in excess of 150 lbs, possibly as much as 200, with soil and tree. I could move the tree before by myself the sheer bulk and weight of the new one probably not let me move it alone. That means I will not be able to get it out of excessive cold in late autumn and early spring easily. The solution to that is to get a pop up greenhouse that can be put up quickly when there's dangerous cold snaps in fall and particularly spring. I also have to reinforce the stand and platform to support it. More than a few contingencies...

With all these daunting things, I tell myself: "Be like @IzzyG, you can do it!"
I am not too worried about the weights, however. I am used to setting up for lifting heavy things. After all I have built boats, houses, and docks with massive timbers. I will just take my time and plan things out using rollers, ropes, pulleys, etc.

 

[rockm]

With all these daunting things, I tell myself: "Be like @IzzyG, you can do it!"
I am not too worried about the weights, however. I am used to setting up for lifting heavy things. After all I have built boats, houses, and docks with massive timbers. I will just take my time and plan things out using rollers, ropes, pulleys, etc.

Spoken like someone who's never had a forecast of impending nighttime temps in the low 20's in April and all the trees are on the benches because it was 70 yesterday...

 

[Cajunrider]

Spoken like someone who's never had a forecast of impending nighttime temps in the low 20's in April and all the trees are on the benches because it was 70 yesterday...

I am afraid that will be my future in Pennsylvania.

 

[ShadyStump]

@Maiden69 @PerryB
Have you tried looking at the site with your browser in private mode?
Many online retailers have their site built to adjust pricing based on your location, or even your previous search history, via your cookies.
There's also your local sales tax to account for as many states now require retailers to collect tax on items purchased online.

Just thought I'd mention it.

 

[Maiden69]

@Maiden69 @PerryB
Have you tried looking at the site with your browser in private mode?
Many online retailers have their site built to adjust pricing based on your location, or even your previous search history, via your cookies.
There's also your local sales tax to account for as many states now require retailers to collect tax on items purchased online.

Just thought I'd mention it.

No, I haven't, sales tax shouldn't impact the price as they are collected when checking out. As far as location, could be... but the point of online retailers is to provide a fixed price enterprise wise. I think it would negatively impact their business if they do something like this. At least I would decide not to buy from someone doing so. If the item was sold "shipping included" maybe, but they actually charge shipping according to your zip code and location.

 

[Dabbler]

I bought a ton of stuff for a koi pond that i've wanted to build for 10 years and finally just doing it. It's a 12 x 6' rectangle semi above ground (14" deep") pond that will house my big bald cypress in it.