Winter Jobs - What do you do?

[Ash]

Hi,

My trees don't go totally dormant because I live in the tropics, they just slow down a bit. So to that end I keep watering, keep fertilizing, keep trimming, keep checking for scars, pests etc. but less often than in the summertime. The main thing is to make sure that as the sun tilts (or rather the earth) that the plants are getting plenty of sunlight, in my garden this means moving pedestals around a bit.

cheers
Ash

[chipper5]

Re-potting and root pruining for me!

But I do enjoy the part where I uncover the roots to expose the new nebari- trees planted on stones/tiles and lef for the year to create wonderful spreading roots! Exciting but you're never 100% sure what it will look like- It's like unwrapping a present a christmas!

Chipper5

[NathanM]

Thanks heaps Ash I REALLY appreciate this. It's something I'm very keen to try!

Good time to make fert. cakes. Time to reflect the changes to be made to trees at re-pot time.

Hi Ash,
Can you please give me some more information on this? I'm very interested in making my own
Thanks,
Nathan

Hi Nathan, Glad to share this with everyone.

I used the Deb. Koreshoff mix:-
3 parts (scoops) soya bean meal
1 part blood and bone
1 part chicken manure (dynamic lifter)
1 part wood ash (charcoal)
1 part fish emulsion

(I had to substitute certain elements to suit what I had on hand.)

Mixed it up in a plastic bucket then added plain flour to bind it with a little water.
Packed the mix into a fert. basket then gently squeezed all round until it popped out.
Placed those onto a tray and then dry them off under cover.

When the growing season comes round, just place them in fert. baskets and apply to the pot.
Cheers!
Ash

[kcpoole]

Awesome Ideas and thanks Ash for the recipe, Does it stink?

The Lime sulfur spray sounds liek a good idea too that I will have to get on to

I have an old Stump I am going to make into a Tanuki with 3 Casuarina during spring. I have been spending the time recently cleaning it up and carving it

any others with ideas?

Ken

[Ash Barns]

Awesome Ideas and thanks Ash for the recipe, Does it stink?
Ken

Err... well it does stink a little but after they dry out no problem. I store mine in the shed so no one has to experience the wonderful aroma.

[EdwardH]

Winter is the time that I dream about how my trees will look when "finished" or at least after another year or two's growth. Then I go to Ray Nesci's and pester him with questions. Then comes the repotting of the deciduous trees. Usually mid July during school holidays because that's when I have time. After that, if I feel motivated I might clean up the leaves and stuff that tends to accumulate around the pots.

[FatMingsBonsai]

I enjoy winter for the same reasons as other members, but mostly it's because we don't get to see our deciduous trees canopies and skeleton as much as in summertime
I kinda love looking at a tree bare from leaves for hours when I have the time, it's relaxing

Cheers..