Spring is about here in most of the northern hemisphere. While there are still some northern latitudes that will need some time to thaw, that would be no reason to not have a check list handy.

Just what should one be thinking about right now. Well for starters..

Repotting supplies Things like soil, wire, and drainage screen should be on hand. I don't know how many times I have looked all around the house and garage for something as stupid as a 59 cent piece of drainage screen. Have enough soil prepared for the repotting to be done that day. All your pots should be cleaned and have the proper screen attached for the days work. It just makes sense to put the screen in while watching reruns of Gilligan's Island on Nick at Night and doing something "bonsai productive".

Fertilizer This is something that should be applied now if you use organic fertilizer. The fertilizer needs time to break down and get attacked by the bacteria to help the roots metabolize the nutrients. If you use liquid fertilizer and your temps are in the high 50's of 60's go ahead and start right now. The plants will use this extra nurishment from their long winter nap.

Plant's Exterior Health Give each plant a thorough look see. Check for wire missed in the fall clean up. Wire left on from the previous year will probably bite in with the spring push. Look for signs of insect damage under the branches. This is where the critters hide during the winter, and lay their eggs, waiting for the first heat and the new larva to start eating up your prize plant. As soon as the rains stop in your neck of the woods, give a coat of lime sulpher to the exposed jins and shari. Check for rot on same, and treat with bondo or equivilent.

Plant's Interior Health Look for insect damage here too. Nemetodes can be a big problem for some people, and their telltale mark is gall's on the roots of your plant. If possible cut these out and burn them, treat for nemotodes and repot in fresh soil. Look for root rot while repotting. Roots that smell,or are black and stringy are signs that there is something wrong in the pot. Check the holes in the pot and make sure they drain well. Pour some water in the pot and see how much is left after draining. You might be surprised.

Clean the tree benches This may seem like a stupid remark, but you would be surprised how many eggs from bad critters lurk there. Pile all your trees on the lawn or surrounding area and wash down the shelves and spray the whole area with sevin or something like it. A wrap of small copper wire around the legs of your benches will keep snails and slugs from crawling up the legs and finding their way to your trees.

Watering Systems If you use an automatic water system, check to see that it is good operating order. It may have been off for the winter and sometimes ants and things find their way into nooks and crannies to nest and plug things up. Don't wait to find out in the 100 degree temps that the water system is on the fritz.

Don't forget the Potensai These may need repotting too. Just because they are in nursery cans doesn't mean they need no attention. The fastest way to getting the larger stock is paying attention to potting up. If you have moved a great plant to a show pot, think about potting up the tree that is in a smaller container to the larger vacant container.

Set a Goal The best way to increase one's skill level is by goal setting. Pick something that you would like to improve, and make an effffort to do this religiously for the entire year. Be it fertilizer, wireing, pinching, defoliation or grooming. Just pick one and stick to it. Once you do this for an entire year, it will become second nature and you never have to worry about missing this again. Next year concentrate on something else. Your skills will improve, I promise.

Non-Potters Everyone has a few trees that will not be repotted. This is normal and is common on slow growers like conifers. Even though they may not be repotted they still need attention for the coming year. Remove the old moss, scrape or brush the trunk of old moss. Use a chop stick and remove the top layer of soil down to just seeing the roots. Replace this layer of soil for drainage and replace the moss if desired. There is no need to put moss on trees that will not be used for display this year. A nice topping of finely sifted stone looks very nice and is preferred by lots of professional's. Moss impeads water flow, drainage, and harbor's pests.

Sharpen those Tools How many of you actually sharpen your tools? I'll bet not many. It really does improve the effeciancy of your work with sharp tools. You make better cuts and they heel faster. A little oil on them might help too. Finally soak your tools in Hexol at least once a month during the season. It would be better to soak them or at least wipe them down with hexol after each session. Tools transfer infection faster than any other way.

In closing, Get organized. This will make bonsai much more enjoyable and easy to do. I hope your all ready for spring, I know I am and can hardly wait!

Springmiester Al

Now that was helpful for this newb. Exactly what I needed. Thanks.

Great checklist Al.

I particularly liked the tip about the copper wire to deter slugs - hadn't heard that one before.

Regards,

Fish.

great suggestion Al. i too, think that it is important to be prepared for the season. Al's checklist is just what i needed given the snowdrops and crocus popping up in the yard. thanx.

Once again thank you for some great forward thinking Al!


Adam

Excellent information! I'm going to keep a printout of this post in my journal for future reference! Thanks for taking the time to do this for us Al ! You and Matt and Brent, Andy, Walter, Ron, Carl and all of the senior BonsaiTALK members share you experience so willingly and help develop the new members with your great info! Thanks again!

Lesley

Thanks so much! This is a great checklist, as said for beginners such as myself! I'm getting even more anxious!!

Great list Al,

does anybody have suggestions on treating for nematodes? I've noticed a couple of my trees (alders and jacarandas) having a few of those galls on the roots.

Attila