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Old 8-Mar-2005   #6
jeremy_norbury
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Join Date: Sep-2003
Location: Amstelveen
Country: Netherlands
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tobias
Thanks guys,

Jeremy seems to be saying that he uses a coarse soil mix, and both situations allow for any remaining fines to be washed out during the initial watering. Does this sound about right?


Yes, my particles are all roughly the same size - about 4mm. This is VERY free draining - we have plenty of rain here, year round PLUS I water every day during the summer. This initial submersion watering flushes any dust out.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tobias
Jeremy, would you wash the particles if you were using a smaller grained soil mix?

If I were using a finer particle, yes. Or at least sift the components with a 2mm grid.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tobias
What I'm really trying to figure out is if people truly believe that washing particles is necessary? Will the trees suffer if the particles are only sieved and not washed? Can you guys possibly imagine an experienced bonsai man/woman who owns a nursery taking the time to wash their soil particles before mixing and potting? I can't, and I think I may have just answered my own questiong.

Discuss.

Thanks,

Toby


Depending on the material you start with, it may or may not be necessary.

Jerry
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