Garden Tips

By Daniel F Hall

Bonsai trees need soil and compost for a number of reasons and it has been proven that the use of compost can drastically increase the growth rate of plants and bonsai trees. The compost works by adding oxygen and vital nutrients that the bonsai needs to feed on as it grows. Compost is necessary for most plants including bonsai as it is able to provide the required nutrients and plant food that the soil has lost.

Composts Mixtures
Most compost mixtures are made using loam, sphagnum, moss peat and granite and the mixtures should be available from your local nurseries. There are different types of compost for different types of plants, depending on the age and size of your bonsai you will require a specific mixture. Always ask questions and make sure you purchase the right compost mixture for your specific bonsai. The compost mixture will need to be mixed with soil of your bonsai. Some gardeners use good quality soil from gardens or farms instead of purchasing a compost mixture. Be careful when using good garden soil as you run the risk of adding pests or plant diseases into your bonsai container. The garden soil will also contain unwanted extras such as bugs, leaves and in some cases pesticides that can be harmful to your treasured bonsai.

Homemade Composts
Instead of purchasing compost or using garden soil and running a risk, many gardeners including bonsai enthusiasts make their own compost mixtures from home. Making your own compost is easier than you might think and the advantages are plentiful. Besides the obvious financial benefits you will be using a 100% organic compost on your plants. Do a search on the internet and you will be able to find an organic homemade compost recipe that you can use.

Feeding your Bonsai
One of the most important uses of compost is when a bonsai has been potted or repotted. Compost needs to be added the soil, but the right kind of compost is important. By adding compost to the container you will be giving the bonsai an extra amount of plant food. Repotting a bonsai can take a toll on the plant and the compost will boost the plant which is important. Compost helps to decrease the amount of stress and repair any damages after being repotted. If you are repotting or potting a bonsai for the first time you should use compost that contains NO fertilizers. If you use compost that contains fertilizers it will burn the roots of the bonsai.

After a few weeks and when the bonsai has gained its strength you will be able to add compost that contains fertilizer.

Daniel Hall has been growing and maintaining bonsai trees for over six years. You can also master the art of growing bonsai trees and succeed. The most important aspect of the hobby is being able to care for the bonsai and maintain it. Start growing your own bonsai tree today with the expert knowledge and advice available at: http://www.bestbonsaiguide.com.
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