This is why I use a Diatomite Substrate

[thoglette]

Ps I have never had a curl grub of any discription, so my knowledge of them is limited to what I read on the forums.

The only time I had them in a pot was in the bottom of a recently departed black pine. I do find them (generic grubs - probably lawn beetle)from time to time in the garden.

[Isitangus]

Can I use diatomite without seiving it? My mrs thinks I'm bonsai crazy already without me taking the colander outside!!!

[cre8ivbonsai]

Can I use diatomite without seiving it? My mrs thinks I'm bonsai crazy already without me taking the colander outside!!!

You should sieve it at least to get the fines (small particles less than 1 or 2 mm) to avoid the mix clogging up. Plastic colanders are better for planting in then sieving Most people grade it to particle size using a proper soil sieve (usually comes with 7/5/2mm wire mesh inserts), or build one using fly screen (1mm) Ken says that works well too. But alway use respiratory protection as the dust is harmful to the lungs

[pureheart]

Hi All,

Can you you please help me???? I'm trying to do the right thing with my bonsai and now starting to realize how important the soil is (Spring is near!!!) and I want to know everything there is about it, but there is so much to know and I do get confused a lot!!!!!

So my question is.... There is lots of talking in regards of the Diatomite so I found this on the web (I don't know where to buy in Melbourne, if anyone wants to let me know I'd be grateful) http://www.petandgarden.com.au/kleensor ... ylvia.html ... would this be good should I buy it?
Then I was thinking to do a mix of 25% diatomite + 35% Sand + 40% cow manure how does that sound?
what about peat moss should that be included too?
I'm so confused I read so many books and the forum and everyone has got a different view but at this stage I just want to make the best soil possible and I guess I'll experiment more with the years....

Please help!
Many thanks!!!!!

[squizzy]

Hi pure heart

We are always experimenting and so will you I imagine. Maybe start with something simple or even buy some pre mixed. I think Damien bee on here sells it down in Melbourne but I'm. Not sure. Cow manure might be a bad idea I think but others may have an opinion. I started a thread called what makes your mix good and a few recipes came up in it. Don't follow mine as its still a work in progress. If you keep it's simple like diatomite coir peat and sifted orchid mix it should get you through. General rule is no fines.

Squizz

[pureheart]

Hi pure heart

We are always experimenting and so will you I imagine. Maybe start with something simple or even buy some pre mixed. I think Damien bee on here sells it down in Melbourne but I'm. Not sure. Cow manure might be a bad idea I think but others may have an opinion. I started a thread called what makes your mix good and a few recipes came up in it. Don't follow mine as its still a work in progress. If you keep it's simple like diatomite coir peat and sifted orchid mix it should get you through. General rule is no fines.

Squizz

Thank you Squizz!

This is my second year of Bonsai and last year I re-potted with pre mixed soil I haven't seen a good growth on my plants..
Ok can you send me the link to your thread and where do I buy "diatomite coir peat", can I find it online?
Thank you again!!!

[squizzy]

Mate pre mix commercial stuff is pretty average but this guy Damien has bonsai himself and I would imagine he knows what he is doing. Diatomite is one thing and coir peat is another i just left out the , sorry. Coir can be bought from the big green shed in blocks. It's not absolutely necessary so if you can't find it don't worry.

I don't know how to link threads sorry. Maybe someone else can help. Just type in search box what makes your mix great? See if it comes up

Squizz

[pureheart]

Thank you squizzy!!!! but do you know where to get the diatomite?

[squizzy]

Which city are you in or near.

I get mine from Enmore produce in the burwood area in Sydney.

Squizz

[cre8ivbonsai]

https://www.petandgarden.com.au/kleensor ... ylvia.html ... would this be good should I buy it?

that's the stuff!

Thank you squizzy!!!! but do you know where to get the diatomite?

In Melbourne:

PM Damian Bee memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=551 he'll be able to give you some advice on other mix components too.

Vitec https://www.vitec.com.au/shop-online/soi ... eous-earth commercial supplier

or we sell it in small buckets at our club meetings https://home.vicnet.net.au/~bonsaiau/

Depends where you are and what quantity,

Good luck,
Ryan

[pureheart]

Thank you cre8ivbonsai !!

[pureheart]

https://www.petandgarden.com.au/kleensor ... ylvia.html ... would this be good should I buy it?

that's the stuff!

Thank you squizzy!!!! but do you know where to get the diatomite?

In Melbourne:

PM Damian Bee memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=551 he'll be able to give you some advice on other mix components too.

Vitec https://www.vitec.com.au/shop-online/soi ... eous-earth commercial supplier

or we sell it in small buckets at our club meetings https://home.vicnet.net.au/~bonsaiau/

Depends where you are and what quantity,

Good luck,
Ryan

Do you know what is the quantity sold by Vitec? it doesn't say in the web site?

[pureheart]

Mate pre mix commercial stuff is pretty average but this guy Damien has bonsai himself and I would imagine he knows what he is doing. Diatomite is one thing and coir peat is another i just left out the , sorry. Coir can be bought from the big green shed in blocks. It's not absolutely necessary so if you can't find it don't worry.

I don't know how to link threads sorry. Maybe someone else can help. Just type in search box what makes your mix great? See if it comes up

Squizz

I found it! viewtopic.php?f=12&t=12538&p=131536&hil ... 3F#p131536

Thanks!

[cre8ivbonsai]

I believe it's 35L, but I'd call them to make sure, and that it's in stock, min quantity etc