When I started growing bonsai, fertilizing was simple. I sprinkled cottonseed meal on the surface of the soil and watered with fish emulsion every few weeks. Applying fish emulsion (circa 2010) This approach worked well for years, up until rodents began stealing the fertilizer and digging up the soil. I needed to make a change. […]
Watering
You just finished repotting – now what?
When you finish the last of the repotting – and breath a sigh of relief – it’s time to sit back and let the trees grow into their new homes. While the trees are busy sending out new roots, our main job is protecting them from the elements. The number one enemy is cold temperatures. […]
Insights from using a chemical injector to acidify the water for one year
An update about the past year’s experience using vinegar to acidify the water.
When ignorance was bliss – and good for my bonsai too
There has been a lot of enthusiasm lately for the scientific side of bonsai. I’ve been a part of this, sharing stories, for example, of testing and acidifying water in an attempt to green up my garden. I started pursuing the topic when I noticed how much harder it had become to keep my pines […]
Watering deciduous bonsai – part 2
One of the easiest ways to slow down the rate at which deciduous bonsai dry out is to apply a top dressing to the surface of the soil. A top dressing is a thin layer of soil or related material that is applied with the aim of retaining moisture and/or improving the look of the […]