AusBonsai

Hi Dog,I've read alot of good things about it, but i've never seen it. sounds like great stuff mate, I personally use Akadama for most things but i'd really like to try some Diatomite out, I don't think you could go wrong...Lets get some

Craig wrote:Hi Dog,I've read alot of good things about it, but i've never seen it. sounds like great stuff mate, I personally use Akadama for most things but i'd really like to try some Diatomite out, I don't think you could go wrong...Lets get some

Hi Dog and Craig
I live in Sydney west suburbs where we get many days thru summer of over 30Deg. Not quite as hot for as long as you nor as reliably windy but we get days about 4 days a year over 40 and about 30 + over 30. the rest are mostly high 20s.
I water 2 times daily in Summer ( 7am and about 3 pm) by timer for 5 minutes. this is enough to have water run out the bottom of each pot

I use Diatomite/ Zeloite mix ( no added organics) and will not use anything else except for Kanuma for my azaleas of whcih I have about 50 % in and the rest in Diatomite

I have done test against Ray Nesci's own Organic Bonsai mix he makes and sells, and Akadama. But one of each tree type in a pot with each soil type and each is treated the same way in the same location

They are not extremely scientific as I do not have a lot of room, but I am convinced enough that Diatomite WILL hold water longer than both Akadama and Nesci mix, and the 5 different types of tree will perform as well in Diatomite as any other substrate /soil type.

It will never break down ( i have now had some soaking in water for 5 years continuous)and reuse 100% of the mix, where akadama or nisci mix must be refreshed at every repot
Impossible to overwater and re-wets instantly when dried out too much.

Diatomite for me has to be the best stuff to use for Soil Subtrate / mixes by far!

If the Japanese had it there, I am sure they would be using it instead of Akadama.

Give it a go if you can find it. I believe it is mined in WA somewhere.

Ken

I reckon i could work with that Ken, no worries,the watering part sounds about right. The part i like is its reuseable, cause i tell you ,i'm sick of buying stuff. I've used at least 7 bags of Akadama since summer already, i thought i had enough for spring but i guess not,at least i could of recycled some substrate to save coin, ..so were do we get it here, i'll have to do some research i guess, Cheers for the post Ken
p.s -i found this site in Perth, I have sent them an email.....http://www.greenlifesoil.com.au/index.htm - i found this thru a poultry forum and apparently these people sell Diatomite, so i'll find out..

Hi Dog, this is the email i received this morning, i might go check out what they have soon, but failing that i could try the Mine directly for contacts/sales, the mine is down south,,

***Hi Craig, We sell diatomaceous earth - mainly for its natural pest control quanlities. I am not entirely sure whether this is what you are looking for?? Normally we sell it in re-useable tubs for 3kg/$17.50 & 8kg/$35.00. Regards,LindaThe Green Life Soil Co.Ph. 9250 4575www.greenlifesoil.com.auOpen 8.30 - 5.00 Thurs - TuesClosed Wednesday

Cheers

If you need a sample to compare with local sources, I can post some to you if you wish

Pm me your postal address and I will pack up a small amount so you can see in real life whit it looks and feels like. ( probably cannot send much due to quarantine? )

The stuff i get is in a 35L bag for $20. the particle size is about 1- 7mm

Ken

Champion Ken, PM sent mate

Craig, Diatomaceous earth used as a natural pesticide is very finely ground powder. - I suppose it is from the same sort of rock so they may have larger grades??

shibui wrote:Craig, Diatomaceous earth used as a natural pesticide is very finely ground powder. - I suppose it is from the same sort of rock so they may have larger grades??

Thanks Shibui, i thought that might be the case, i'm going to enquire some more about getting this product here in the WEST. Cheers mate

Thanks Guys , Ive heard its mined over here as well,but not sure what size etc,keen to get hold of the earth coloured version as it looks more natural compared to the kitty litter colour! Some close attention to setting up more shade/wind protection/auto retic. may be required if last summer over here is anything to go by. Long days at work, away from home can take it's toll if you haven't done your homework!...Also when it comes to showing trees potted in Diatomite ,do you need a different top layer to support moss growth and/or for general asthetics ? ....Dog.

bonzaidog wrote:Also when it comes to showing trees potted in Diatomite ,do you need a different top layer to support moss growth and/or for general asthetics ? ....Dog.

I just freshen the top layer with clean mix or add suitable gravels as is suitable
If I want to put moss on, I sift a batch to be less than 3mm and the top dress with that then lay the moss on top. Like any pot, if the moss kept moist it will grow happily on diatomite

ps I also find the lighter white / grey coloured Mt Sylvia I use here after a season or 2 discolours and darkens ( probably from the fertiliser ( Neutrog) I use on the surface)

Ken

Thanks , once again Ken..All good info and it sounds like a plan!.... Dog.

I've made some enquires with a couple of nurseries in Melbourne as to whether they can get some diatomite in for me/and in turn for any other Melbournians interested?

As Sage Horticulture is a little further than I'd like to travel.

I told them they would have lots of interested people if they could stock the product,

Ill let you all know what they get back to me with

Hey Sidd!
Just wondering if you find out if there's any other nursery in Melbourne that sells diatomite?
I thought i ask you first before I do my homework...Western side of Melbourne
Let us know mate
Cheers,
Carlos

hi Sidd,

I'd be keen to near how you went with your Melbourne research too.

Cheers!

hi just a quick bit of info for sydney growers. you can get it here from enfield produce it comes from mount Sylvia they have heaps of it. i use it and love it.as said you can never overwater .