'Bonsai Calendar'

[PinkFlowers]

I was given a pamphlet from the nursery when I bought my first Bonsai, and just noticed on the back that it has a 'Calendar' on the back or what to do each month.

-DEC: Water/Feed regularly, trim and watch for bugs
-JAN: Check/Remove wires, Water/Feed regularly
-FEB: Keep watering but stop feeding, reduce trimming
-MAR: Growth at a standstill, only Nitrogen-free fertiliser
-APR: Deciduous trees lose leaves, water if necessary
-MAY: Remove wiring carefully, check all plants for pests
-JUNE: Water if necessary, do not feed
-JUL: Dormant period for most trees and plants
-AUG: Prune hardy deciduous trees, prepare for repotting
-SEP: Wire deciduous trees and repot most trees
-OCT: Prune most trees, end repotting and watch for bugs
-NOV: Start feeding and light trimming, water regularly



What do you guys think of this calendar? Does it seem right? What would you change about it?

[Alan Peck]

Great little referance.
How about adding Air Layering applied July/August.
You've started something good with this thread.

[Mitchell]

It is a novel idea, albeit general rules. If you followed them exactly, then you could run into problems. Like the wire applied in Sept apparently does not need checking till Jan. In the 4 months many of my figs etc, would have almost swallowed the wire by then.


They do makes sense, just remember other issues can arise aswell.

[PinkFlowers]

Well I figure it'd vary throughout the different tree families.

[alpineart]

Hi Pinkflowers , if you use it as a general reference you will make progress .Then when you have the confidence you can start pushing the bounderies .Definately good info .Cheers Alpineart

[kcpoole]

nice info Pink!
As a general guide I agree for the normal Exotic Trees not bad
For Sydney conditions, I would move the spring work forward a few weeks tho.

Not to be used for Figs and other tropical trees tho and not most natives either

Ken

[Pup]

I use the calendar of the tree, never used the month as it varies from season to season and year to year.
As a general guide on what to look for, when planning your work. It is very useful.
Nice to know some nurseries, supply some after care instructions that appear easy to understand though.

Pup

Ps as here in the Perth we have had 55 days above 30 where I live in the foot hills it is around 4 degrees hotter, and no rain. So re potting is on hold. Leaf pruning for leaf burn is a go though, and working in the heat even though we only have 7 weeks to go for our Convention, is not an option.