What do I need?

matt_95 · Post by **matt_95** » July 30th, 2011, 10:06 pm

I've seen lots of people saying they use this and that in their soil mixes, when I do a search for it I can never find a guide telling me how to use it. I've seen people say they use richgro aquatic plant soil and zeolite ect. Can anyone direct me to a link on using these please or explain them? Like what ratios and whether or not I should mix in organics. I imagine they would need lots of fertiliser, can an organic fertiliser be used? I don't use chemicals in my garden and I don't really want to start. I was thinking Charlie carp or worm juice. My trees are still growing out, will they need these or can I just use normal potting mix? Thanks in advance.

matt_95 · Post by **matt_95** » July 30th, 2011, 10:15 pm

Oh, I did see a thread on diatomite but I've never seen it at Bunnings and there are no bonsai nurseries near me.

Handy Mick · Post by **Handy Mick** » July 30th, 2011, 10:26 pm

Matt,
Some use organic, some use inorganic, the others use a mix of both, no one is right.
I've been using a organic mix with half sand, the sand creates drainage.
The reason, I don't have the resources to water as frequently as others, I live in the bush and am on tank water and I work long hours.
However this year I have introduced diatomite and pumice to the mix, at about half strength.
Those who use diatomite or diatomite zeolite water more often as the mix is more open, this means more air and that means more roots.
With my new mix, I'm trying to find a happy medium.
This is what you need to do.
Ferts, neither here nor there.

Mick

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » July 30th, 2011, 10:55 pm

Here is a link to one of the many articles buried in the archives
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4936&start=0&hilit=charcoal

Dario · Post by **Dario** » July 31st, 2011, 1:18 am

Hi Matt_95,
search for this link by kcpoole... "How I use Diatomite as my Substrate" and once you have read it also click on the Walter Pall and Boon links provided.
Also search for this link by Grant Bowie..."Potting Mix Tests Results Abbreviated".
I would have attached the actual links, but I am still working out how to do so.
Hope this helps.
Cheers, Dario.

Post by **kcpoole** » July 31st, 2011, 8:43 am

Hi Matt
check out thse links dario mentioned and essentially we use what we can get that gives an open mix and good drainage

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8719&start=15&hilit=diatomite
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=5745&start=60&hilit=diatomite

Also our Wiki page in Soils should help some too
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... onsai_soil

Ken

AusBonsai

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