In my last post on Bonsai Feeding Schedules I mentioned the use of organic fertilizer cakes. I have written about my recipe for fertilizer cakes before, but have since tweaked the recipe a bit.
I no longer allow an extended period of fermentation. I’ve found this to be unnecessary as well as yielding a more foul smelling result. You’ll find that you have better relations with your neighbors if you allow the cakes to dry quickly in the hot summer sun. Once dry, the fertilizer is far less pungent.
Materials:
- 5 gallon bucket
- Paint stick
- PVC pipe
- Dowel rod
- Drying tray
- Storage container
Ingredients:
- 4 cups Cottonseed Meal
- 4 cups Bone Meal
- 3 cup Fish Emulsion (deodorized!)
- 1 cup baking flour
- 1 packet of yeast
Combine all ingredients into the 5 gallon bucket and stir with the disposable Paint Stick. Once you’re satisfied that everything is mixed thoroughly you can add the Fish Emulsion. A fair amount of water should be added until you reach an even cookie dough type consistency.
The latest trick of using PVC pipe and a wooden dowel rod was sent to me by my friend Timothy in Dallas. Essentially you will make a Play-Doh factory from these two items. Take a PVC pipe with an inner diameter of 3/4″ to 1″ and a wooden dowel rod with an outer diameter near the same dimensions. Cut the PVC pipe down to about 8-10″ in length, and the dowel rod a few inches longer.
With your new PVC tool you’re ready to form the cakes. Fill the interior of the PVC tool with the fertilizer mixture. Next, insert the dowel rod into the end of the PVC tool. Press and pack the fertilizer, and break off an inch or two cakes from the open end of the PVC tool. You should be able to press out several cakes each time you fill the PVC tool.
You may choose to dry your cakes in the sun or apply them directly to your trees. I find it’s best if I make several batches of fertilizer, dry, and store in a dry location. An old plastic bucket with a lid makes a great storage container.
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I would love to hear what others are using to fertilize their bonsai. Add your comments below to join in on the conversation.
