Mixing Bonsai Soil

bisco_bonsai

Hi everyone,
Upon sieving some soil componenents the other day, I was wondering if anyone has come up with some more efficient ways of mixing bonsai soil. I usually sieve the components of my soil (bark, turface, chicken grit) separately, but after seeing someone else mix their components, I'm considering just getting a clean wheelbarrow and mixing all the ingredients together straight out of the bag. Then I can store it in a couple of big buckets and just sieve as I need it. I think this would break up the work load a bit. Any thoughts?
All the best,
JDL

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Will_Heath

Not a good idea as once mixed, when you sieve it, more of one component may be sifted out than another, leaving an uneven and unknown ratio.

An example would be starting out with an unsifted mix of 1/3 turface, 1/3 lava rock, and 1/3 bark. After sifting, it may well be 3/4 turface, 1/8 lava rock and 1/8 bark....


Will

mkonig

I am with Will on that one. Pre mixing and then sieving does not work.

I do all of my soil prep in stage over the winter. I do one ingredient at a time and keep three grades. Coarse >5mm+, Medium >3mm <5mm and fine >1mm <3mm.
Anything smaller goes in a big tub for patio plant contianers.
I store all the graded components in cheap £-Stretcher plastic bins with lids and mix as required.

I actually find it quite theraputic and I tend to listen to a bit of Bach or Mozart while I am doing the work (sometimes a bit of Wagner if I fell the need for a bit more vigour). Feel free to substitute Def Lepard, Iron Maiden or Guns 'n Roses if thats your cup of tea, I do that sometimes just for the heck of it.

Mike

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bisco_bonsai

Great Points guys. I should have thought of that one myself. I don't know if I consider it theraputic though, guess it's a good thing I don't have a lot of trees. That's probably the only time I'll ever say that, ha!
Thanks,
JDL

jhill

JDL,
I just put it all in a container and when I am ready to use I sift the fines out. Its as easy as that. Now on the other hand if it is for bigger trees I'll sif for,, say 1/4,1/8 inch then place in container by there size then sift fines out when I use it. and so on. Makes it alot easier. Its the fines (1/16") that needs to be sifted out before potting.

A Friend in bonsai
John

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Adam_MA

Funny... I find myself almost always listening to the blues when I do any of my tree work.. Don't know why, but I seem to just put some good blues on when I am ready to get to work...
Adam

Ian_Homer

Hi All,

A nursery local to me uses a Cement Mixer, reserved solely for the job.

If you have a large collection - it may be worth hiring one for a weekend.
(as long as it is clean)
Having said that, a cheap electric one can normally be purchased here for under £100 from some warehouses. Like most things maybe even cheaper in the States ? ( guess $ 150ish ) Saves all the backbreaking.

Ian.

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Aaron_K

The most efficient way of mixing bonsai soil that I have found........

Is to get someone else to do it for you

Regards,


Aaron

bisco_bonsai

When can I come pick up my soil Aaron K!?