Well, I want to thicken up my trunks and purchase considerable more nursery stock to add to the open ground bed.
I have a few questions but I have read through all the forums containing the words "open ground" and "bed" as well as...
www.evergreengardenworks.com/trunk.htm "Developing Large Trunks for Bonsai"
www.evergreengardenworks.com/growfast.htm "Obtaining Maximum Growth in Pre-Bonsai"
I also recommend this thread for some 'light' reading if you are unfamiliar with the topic
http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/f14/jus...tock-15185.html
***Please, if you could, limit discussion to open ground or bed growing as I have already decided this is the best for the age and type of trees I will be growing. Please post pond container and grow box information in another thread.***
I have considerable land in Lancaster PA, USA (zone 6a/6b) - the ground is very fertile (perhaps some of the best on the East coast) but per the forums I believe adding some perlite and compost would be beneficial for air and nutrients respectively, though I'm sure they would grow just fine without.
1. Placement: What kind of protection does this bed need (from wind and sun)? Would you place it in partial sun/shade for protection during very hot days? A shade cloth over the top is even a possibility I would imagine.
2. Dimensions: Again, from the forums the general consensus seems to be 18 inches to 3 feet between trees. Does anyone have any opinions on spacing? I have a good bit of land but didn't want to plant-up the entire yard.
I was thinking one 6 x 20 foot bed this year. That would be two rows of approximately 10-12 plants (at 18 inches to two feet spacing). Then another 6 x 20 foot bed next year after the trial bed goes well.
3. Tilling: I believe tilling the 6x20 area is recommended, but how deep should I till? Also, will grass growing around the trees hinder development? How do I turn an area that has grass on it now, into just a garden with soil without grass growing in it? I feel like tilling ground with grass on it would just bury the grass to grow another day. Should I tear up the top 'sod-like' layer of grass? Also, would framing out the growing bed be beneficial at all? What kind of wood is recommended?
4. Spading: Again, from the forums I've seen arguments for and against spading. I think spading would be beneficial especially if I decided not to provide a full three feet between trees. Essentially, spade opposite sides in year 2, then the other two sides in year 3. Any opinions on this matter?
5. Timing: What is the best time of year to place my already potted plants in the growing bed? Instinctively, I would say when the last frost has gone - but you guys seem to know best. Enlighten me. Also, while down the road - people have mentioned to plan in the ground for 3 years then potted for one year, then back in the ground for 2-3 more years. By this, I gather, the roots don't get too tangled-up by being potted for a year as opposed to being in the ground for 6 straight years.
Well that’s a lot of questions, and I know you guys (and girls) are the ones that have the answers. Being newer to the forum, I just wanted to say every one seems so friendly and helpful so I'm anxious to hear ideas from everyone.
Pictures/diagrams are a plus!!!
P.S. Anyone in the Lancaster or PA area with experience in field and bed growing please note that in your post of PM me. Thanks!