How I Make Bonsai Soil

[@louscholle3729]

You’re straight up. I love it. You weren’t afraid to show us your failures and you showed us your trial and error so we don’t have to do it ourselves. Thank you. 🙏🏻 So much less work and worry for us.

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers. there is no point keeping all the secrets to myself haha :)

[@markyadegar8830]

Very helpful video breaking down the myths. I found your channel searching for the bonsai kit I got from my daughter yesterday, as I didn’t have a clue about growing from seed and was a bit apprehensive! I already have a bonsai from the same daughter which hasn’t grown much in the year, but your videos inspire confidence to experiment! Thank you and keep posting.

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers, hopefully your seed kit and the tree all grow well for you :)

[@shelbybennion1677]

I love how informative this is

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers :)

[@howardmckeown7187]

thank you, new to bonsai, simple, clear, cheap solution to what was a brain frying problem for me, from a fellow norn iron bonsai nut

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers!

[@omxanthieglbirdanismurai3185]

Thanks for share how to prepare media for lovely bonsai amazing

[@cherylandrews3195]

I am glad you mentioned you need to adjust your soil for different trees and for different climates. I live in canada and I have tried some of the suggested bonsai soils and they dont work here. I am still working on finding the perfect mix but each attempt seems to bring me a bit closer! Thx for the video :)

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers, yeah its really important to know that. I think a lot of people forget we are all spread out across the world with different climates. hopefully you nail your mix this year :)

[@paulopontus]

What would work in this kind of climate? I am in a similar situation

[@naturgeist]

Appalachian Bonsais Video is really helpful! I like your Comparison with the Pasta :D

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers, yeah his videos are great!

[@lyla1565]

Hii, I got the same kit not that long ago and finally gave it a go!! But, I was wondering if the soil that you have is completely essential for the kit? Thank you for these videos!! Very simple and helpful ❤

[@BackGardenBonsai]

its not essential, tress will pretty much grow in anything ...but the more you grow, the more you will see that the soil matters and having it loose and fast draining like in this video has its advantages and makes you life easier and tree happier..

[@jamiehaddon2851]

Your videos are extremely addictive, been watching for a few months now, really nice work! I've now seen yourself and a cacti enthusiast I follow recommend cat litter - do you have advice on what type, I'm scared I'd get something with chemicals or scents or weird additives. I guess we want the clumping type?

[@BackGardenBonsai]

cheers. so, you want the non-clumping type.. free of chemicals and scents. it needs to be 100% molar clay. so as long as its that. its all good. if you use anythning else, its probably not molar clay and will be a diaster. sanicat pink is molar clay, but there are a few others. you also have that like safety absorb stuff for oil spills... its molar clay too. so long as its molar its fine. also this may be of some help if you are making a soil - www.backgardenbonsai.com/a-general-guide-to-bonsai-soil/

[@noelmccomb7577]

I'm thinking come February I'm gonna try your recipe. Moreso because I live in Belfast. And as you know the weather ain't the best. I've been stroked financially with acadama mixes. My question is I take it this soil works indoor and outdoor? As I'm gonna work not only ficus in crap coir mixes. But also chestnut, sycamore and hornbeam amongst others I think as a seed blew into my garden and landed on a flower pot by my grapes grew in amongst things separated and now half a foot tall in a bucket. Loving the videos! Noel

[@BackGardenBonsai]

yeah it will work for both. you will probably need to do what i said and adjust the ratio a little. have less compost, more molar clay. that should help balance out the constant rain

[@mostrico]

Thanks for sharing this man, great video!

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers :)

[@dennismatlock3614]

You are the first one that makes any sense! Love your teaching and am looking forward to trying your mix. Thank You from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers for watching. Hopefully you make a mix that’s suits Michigan’s climate 👍👍

[@jarheadbonsai]

The kitty litter is very smart. I love the white of the perlite. 😅😂😎...to each their own. Now I am in the mood for marinara sauce and meatballs!!! 🍝🍝🍝

[@BackGardenBonsai]

It doesn’t look right to me. But it is highly effective at what it does. 👍

[@jarheadbonsai]

😎😅😎

[@iPheek]

Woah this make so much sense about using organic and non organic and mix and weather in your area! I think I might need to repot some of my trees and change some of the soil now haha

[@BackGardenBonsai]

:) I’m glad it helped. Hopefully you end up with a good mix

[@howardmckeown7187]

ditto

[@bwat1986]

Great tips on diy soil I will try this for my bonsai

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Thanks. :) hopefully you put together something that’s perfect for your trees

[@1cleandude]

Awesome video brother but the background music really competes with your voice! Thanks for your time and expertise!🙏🙏🙏

[@BackGardenBonsai]

cheers, hopefully the newer videos audio is not as bad.

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

Thank you for sharing this always love to learn how to make good soil. New friend Ruthie

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Thanks for watching Ruthie. Great to hear you got something from it :)

[@bonzairebellion4663]

I always looking for new soils for my Army. I'll try your mix for some of my trees.

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers. I’ve never tried it for pines, but I’m sure it would be fine

[@ma9icmarv]

Do you still use this soul mix now or have you changed or added anything to mix

[@BackGardenBonsai]

yeah its the same and will be for quite a good few years too

[@TheSunnyTrails]

Ericaceous compost is great for camellias as well

[@mythoecoliving2917]

You should also add the bamboo charcoal in as well. Great for any garden soil especially bonsai.

[@FrameNature]

Thanks for this video

[@BackGardenBonsai]

No problem. Hopefully it give you some inspiration 👍

[@Greeny22]

Cool video

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers :)

[@GERALDBONSAI]

Thanks for sharing brother

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers for watching

[@ashleybonner5423]

Would a typical self made succulent mix work with succulent bonsai or would regular bonsai soil also be recommended for a succulent bonsai? Also where did you move to from London?

[@BackGardenBonsai]

It’s like I say It totally depends on all sorts of factors such as your weather, the tree, how much your watering etc. If you already have a succulent mix you’re using and it works for you. Use that. Only different between succulents and succulent bonsai is really the trimming and shaping. I use the molar clay and perlite for my jades. I usually add like a tiny amount of compost. Succulents like it dry so they would get to wet if I used my normal ratios. But if you lived I a desert my normal mix might be perfect. Hope that makes sense. And I moved back to Belfast

[@ashleybonner5423]

Cheers mate! And back to Ireland eh? Must be a little cooler there than here on the south coast of england. I will stick to my usual succie mix for jade bonsai then but now I just need to figure a good soil for a lavender and rosemary bonsai lol hope your art brings you many gorgeous specimens :)

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Yeah a lot colder and damn lot wetter. That’s the main reason why I had to adjust my soil this year. Added grit and less compost. Seems like it should handle the constant rain now. Lol. Also I’ve used the compost/molar/perlite mix for rosemary inside and out. No bother. I’m sure lavender would be fine with it too

[@daver9643]

My soil is a combination of succulent cactus soil and regular potting soil should I soak it when watering even if it makes the soil soggy and allow the water to drain out the bottom? Another question I recently transplanted it into a new banzai container.

[@BackGardenBonsai]

its hard to say. every ones trees and soil act differently in their environment. read these two pages and maybe you will get a clearer idea about what should be right and what might not - www.backgardenbonsai.com/how-to-water-a-bonsai/ and www.backgardenbonsai.com/a-general-guide-to-bonsai-soil/

[@CDragonite]

I've got succulent soil. As trying to grow a fairy garden for sons 8th birthday. He has autism what he has asked for. Mum's bough succulent and 4 alpines. Bonzai kit. (May never grow got hope after all videos seen from seed). May need more grit to add to succulent mix for bonzai trees if they sprout love this. Thank you

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers. I’m sure the soil U.K. have is fine but I’m sure some extra grit will do it no harm. Succulents like it drier. It it All depends on your climate and watering regime. Get that right and you’ll be fine :)

[@sutatama2282]

Nice ..good job my friend

[@MASESOX]

Ty ty ty.

[@RJSRanchu]

Will be buying some Cat litter, there’s two types of clay, non clumping and clumping. I’ve done some research and found it’s non clumping clay we use. I’m assuming yours is non clumping right ?

[@BackGardenBonsai]

so long as its molar clay, its all good. You can get other "non clumping, low dust" type cat litters, which you would need to test to see if they are okay... but if its made form molar clay, its all good.

[@RJSRanchu]

@@BackGardenBonsai I can’t find if it’s molar clay or not, I’m assuming I just test it with water and hope it stays in shape and doesn’t crumble?

[@RJSRanchu]

It just states “Clay Non Clumping”

[@BackGardenBonsai]

yeah if you cant be sure i would test it. the last thing you want is something turning to mush

[@BenBSeattle]

Great video, my friend

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Thanks :)

[@tetta2956]

nice video i have a question tho, do you know what song u used at the end?

[@BackGardenBonsai]

cheers. its just from the youtube audio library. its called Frost, by Hovatoff

[@tetta2956]

@@BackGardenBonsai thank you Oh, and i used ur soil My bonsai looks great, your videos are awesome

[@randomness8819]

So this can be used for all bonsai including grape bonsai?

[@BackGardenBonsai]

it depends on your trees needs and your environment. but as a good base to start with, this should be fine and you can tweek what you want from this. I have used this for my grape seedling with no trouble.

[@randomness8819]

@@BackGardenBonsai Thank you so much for your generous help and quick response. I look forward to learning so much from you!🤗

[@patriciapadilla3590]

A little hard to understand but good information nonetheless

[@AriePrabowo26]

Okey great my friends, 🌳👍👍👏

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@pattibennett9393]

Well done no bullshit

[@Mrs.Crawford2014]

For gravel, what do you/y’all think about using the colored fish tank gravel? NATURAL COLORS OFCOURSE ;)

[@BackGardenBonsai]

If you don’t mind the ridiculous colour, it should be fine. I’ve used the like natural fish tank gravel before and it’s great. Some people will say the gravel heats up in the sun and makes it all too hot/can burn roots. I’ve never experienced anything close to that. But I’m not exactly in a sunny part of the world. Lol. Cheers for watching

[@wave._.hunter]

Pea gravel at Home Depot way cheaper

[@roehle9962]

I recommend collecting a few pounds of soil from wherever you collected the bonsai material and mixing it with your bonsai soil

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Why would you recommend that?

[@psykid1941]

@@BackGardenBonsai because if you take the soil from the original place it would work better?

[@roehle9962]

@Here's Jonny it contains beneficial fungi and bacteria. they bind to the trees roots and help with breaking down and adsorbing nutrients

[@JEtiemlures]

So could i use 100% compost?

[@JEtiemlures]

Ohhh

[@iamaduckquack]

You could but your trees wouldn't grow well in shallow pots

[@CConn-df7hy]

Cool video. From sheer appearance, your clay you use looks very similar to Turface MVP by the way. No way to tell otherwise but particle size and color are very very similar. In any case good luck with your outdoor olive, maybe some day it will be as glorious as an Aussie one 😎. Cheers

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Cheers for watching. From what I can tell, it’s the same stuff. Cat litter, the safety absorb stuff I’ve got and turface MVP are all same molar clay. It’s great stuff. Also if my olive ever ends up like a quarter as good as Aussies bonsai blokes, I will be very happy 👍

[@MrAcokgitra]

Helfull ser grad joob for the teknik

[@HerbandRoots]

Nice! Do you sift your materials or use the whole bag?

[@BackGardenBonsai]

No sifting. I just measure each component into a big flower pot, so I know I’ve an equal amount and throw it in a big plastic box. I find that if you mix it well enough the smaller particles will end up at the bottom and it’s kind of self sifts. Sort of

[@HerbandRoots]

Back Garden Bonsai Thanks! Makes sense. I tried sifting but it seems wasteful to throw out the unused material.

[@notbonsai671]

I love your style. But for reals tho my grandmas bonsai soil is the only mix!

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Lol. It probably is better than mine 😂

[@Handles-R-Lame]

@@BackGardenBonsaithe grandmas' always are lol 🌳👵👍

[@maverickbonsai]

I'm sad I didn't see this video until just now. Thanks for the mention! I didn't think anyone even watched that video. Nothing drove me crazier than trying to figure out how to mix soil for my climate. Where I live we have long, cold winters and dry summers with very long days so I need to have a bit of moisture retention for my trees. I still use the kitty litter as a small part of my soil, but I like to use a lot of other ingredients such as pumice and pine bark, and a little bit of potting mix for extra-thirsty trees. Great video! I guess I should maybe do an update on my channel.

[@BackGardenBonsai]

Its always a pleasure to mention fellow bonsai video makers :) you should defo do an update, seems like forever since we had a video from you. hopefully youre starting to thaw out from the winter round about now lol

[@AL-pr2ym]

Anyone using bonsai mix for succulents I need a mixture anyone have any info

[@BackGardenBonsai]

If you make your own mix you can make sure it’s right for succulents. I just use half kitty litter and half perlite. Does a good job.

[@anajanemejia-norway854]

🙋🏻‍♀️

[@BackGardenBonsai]

🙋🏻‍♂️

[@jarheadbonsai]

Foist!!!

[@seansullivan7928]

this guy is mak8ng Bonsai trees but the background music and his voice is all evil.