Good drainage

[Damian79]

Hi guys
Im finding it hard to find a good drainage medium where I live. There is nowhere to get good stones/pebbles/grit for my soil.
At the moment im just using a premium potting mix with what I guess you would call "Asphalt gravel" but is seems to be very Clagy and doesnt really drain that well.
Is there something that is easier to get that will do a better job.
I read a lot of things about Bonsai soil but Im finding it really hard to get the right mix.
As this is one of the most important things in Bonsai, I feel a bit silly having to ask this but I really do need help.

Damian

[Isitangus]

Polystyrene balls (bean bag balls) if your desperate. They'll help with aeration.
Small decorative pebbles/rocks
Asphalt gravel is ok if it's rinsed first.
Otherwise you should be able to order some supplies online?

[thoglette]

IIm finding it hard to find a good drainage medium where I live. There is nowhere to get good stones/pebbles/grit for my soil.

Bunnings (you have one in Mt G) has hydroponic mixes - there's one which is a mix of two "-ites" which provides drainage like no tomorroW)

[Damian79]

Thanks thoglette ill give them a try

[cre8ivbonsai]

Mate your in mt Gambia, the home of Biogro:

South Australia
2 Pinaceae Court
Mount Gambier, SA 5290
Phone: (08) 8724 5555
Fax: (08) 8724 5588
Call:
Phil Nagle - 0413 434 119
Peter Little - 0400 786 232
http://biogro.com.au/index.php?page=contact-us

Get some Biogro Orchid Bark Nuggets - Ausgro 5-8mm Orchid Nuggets (mini) (sieve out fines)

This is a good base (instead of basic potting mix) then add other ingredients if you can get a hold of them (mt sylvia diatomite [also sold as Kleensorb]/zeolite/soft scoria/crushed granite/coco peat) for ideas and proportions search (top right of the web page) for 'Boons mix' 'soil mix' etc there's heaps of info in the Ausbonsai archives to get you started.

Good luck,
Ryan

[bonsaibruce]

Greetings,
Last time I was in Mt G I was impressed with the scoria, volcanic rock, that was on the side of the road. It was just there waiting to be picked up.
Not only does it make great root over rock, if you crush it, it makes great potting mix.
There are lots of good bonsai ideas and products hiding in plain view. Don't have a "boy look" and think outside the square.
Happy bonsai,
see in Canberra,
Bruce.

[Damian79]

Ha Ha yeah thanks Bruce.
I know the volcanic stuff you mean and I have heard is makes a great mix, any tips for crushing it down?
Mate I would love to get back to Canberra, I lived there for a number of years and it seems it is the place to be for bonsai these days.
Cash flow kids and work just keep getting in the way
one day maybe.
Thanks
Damian

[Damian79]

Thanks Ryan
I know the place its not that far from where i live. Ill head out there and have a look.
Damian

[Damian79]

Ok guys
I got two big green cloth shopping bags of Volcanic rock from the local Earth moving company for $5. Will attempt to crush it down a bit and use a a mix for my soil.
We'll see how it goes.