Soil Sifter

[treeman]

[

You are really convincing me that I should be sifting.... Although I'm worried that it will make my mix too dry in summer, being able to water only twice a day before going to work and after... What do you think?

Twice a day is enough. I usually water once per day unless it's really hot and windy. Each plant is different. When it's hot there are always a few which begin to wilt before the others. These are the ones you need to protect a bit more by shading and/or using a finer mix. For me, quince are always the first to show the need for water.

[treeman]

Place any concerning tree's on a tray of water with some scoria inside and you'll be fine over the warmer days.

Boics, be ware that it has been proven that a wet tray under the plants does absolutely nothing to help. Humidity measurements show no difference to those without trays. Letting the pot sit in water can be dangerous for many species.

[shibui]

Boics, be ware that it has been proven that a wet tray under the plants does absolutely nothing to help. Humidity measurements show no difference to those without trays. Letting the pot sit in water can be dangerous for many species.

Not sure who has proven that or how. What I do know is that my smaller bonsai definitely grow much better on a humidity tray in hot weather - and I have tried both with and without. Maybe it is not the humidity but something is helping and I have not had any adverse affects that I can blame the trays for over more than 10 years of use.

[/What does the scoria do?quote] The scoria is just a medium to keep the pot sitting above water level. The idea is to have the pot sitting on top of water, not soaking in it. I use either coarse sand, gravel or diatomite in my trays but it does not matter what, just so the pot is above the level of the water.

[Waltron]

Hi Treeman, what's that clay you're using?

[treeman]

Not sure who has proven that or how. What I do know is that my smaller bonsai definitely grow much better on a humidity tray in hot weather - and I have tried both with and without. Maybe it is not the humidity but something is helping and I have not had any adverse affects that I can blame the trays for over more than 10 years of use.

It has been established that there is no benefit from increased humidity because there basically is no increased humidity. It's possible the tray with stones up close to the underneath of the of the pot slows down air movement and evaporation from the drainage hole. Yes there would be no adverse affects from using a tray.

[treeman]

Hi Treeman, what's that clay you're using?

A few years back I had 10 metres of free soil delivered for the garden. Just so happens that it sifts into nice stable particles of whatever size I want. Quite similar to akadama.
Most red mountain sub soils will do that. Monbulk and Kinglake is full of it. It's just a bit of work doing the sifting but I like to include a bit of subsoil in the mix for deciduous species for nutrient retention and well as nutrient supply from the soil itself.

[teejay]

I bought it years ago through the bonsai club I was in at the time. You shouldn't have any trouble online though I would think.

[teejay]

Sorry, that last comment was for Pureheart.

[pureheart]

Sorry, that last comment was for Pureheart.

Thank you I got my self one here https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/272328131942



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[NAHamilton]

I thought I'd add a pic as I sifted a bag yesterday. The buckets are what I removed as waste and is about 2.1 litres. If my maths is right that's 6% of a 35 litre bag. Not including what blew around the garden so always wear a mask. It took about 20 minutes so not much hassle.

Sifted.jpg

Cheers,
Nigel

[pureheart]

I thought I'd add a pic as I sifted a bag yesterday. The buckets are what I removed as waste and is about 2.1 litres. If my maths is right that's 6% of a 35 litre bag. Not including what blew around the garden so always wear a mask. It took about 20 minutes so not much hassle.

Sifted.jpg

Cheers,
Nigel

Thanks Nigel do you sift even the coco peat? Or do you use only diatomite? Are those fine particles ok for the garden? What do you do with it?


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[NAHamilton]

Hi Pureheart,

Composted coco peat for thirsty species (before sifting)

P1100322.JPG

I do now

On Wednesday I also sifted a bag of potting mix with the same tools as my pic. Cheaps ones

I use this, coco peat and Diatomite for things I'm developing in big pots (which is most of them) and the adding of potting mix was a financial decision. A little bit of the coco peat in bonsai pots for those that like more water, but mostly pure Diatomite. That was after reading Walter Palls heavy feeding and watering article. I'm sharing my 3 years experience so bear that in mind.

I put all the fine particles in my sweethearts compost. I can't tell you if its good or bad for the garden. I can tell you that saying yes and sharing is good for my relation ship

Cheers,
Nigel

[pureheart]

Oh really you use diatomite even in big training pots? That would cost a lot no? Do you reuse the diatomite when repotting? Can it be reused?


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[NAHamilton]

Yeah I just sift it again. the expense I why I mix soil with it.

[treeman]

Well I've given this clay a good trial and it's works fantastically well! I put in a black pine with 100% clay pellets from my soil pile. No breakdown of the particles and the roots seem to love it. So does the mycorrhizae. There is hardly any waste. Just a bit of fine dust. The rest is usable.
All my developed trees are going in it now.

fine

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medium fine

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medium

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medium coarse

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coarse

P1110389.JPG

We have our own akadama here, you just have to find it!

P1110392.JPG