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  • Results 1 to 9 of 9

    Thread: Where do you overwinter your bonsai?

    1. #1
      anthonym's Avatar
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      Where do you overwinter your bonsai?

      I am having a hard time deciding where to keep my bonsai for the winter (zone 6).
      I have an unheated shed where I can keep them. But the problem is that 2 of my bonsai are pines and they will need some light? The shed gets light from 2 north facing windows, so its dim light , not like having southern facing windows.
      I was thinking of building a cold frame at the back of the shed (the back of the shed faces south), but the one pine would require 3'x5' area alone. So keeping them in the shed out of the wind would work better. Will dim light be ok for the pines?
      Thanks

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    2. #2
      dick benbow's Avatar
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      I like the shed for the deciduous stuff. Just remember because it's protected from the cold, things still dry out so plan on checking them every few days.
      If you need to water it's always best during the am than pm as most days warm as they evolve while evenings, temps always spiral down.

      Your instincts are good about the pines. I'd suggest building that Cold frame
      to allow as much light as possible and either slide the pots into the soil or put something up around them like straw. If you get a warm spell be sure and have a way to vent the frame during the day. Yes it's extra expense and work but it will pay dividends in the spring with less issues.
      Dick Benbow
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    3. #3
      dick benbow's Avatar
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      I slip my deciduous stuff inside a cold garage with minimal light. My evergreen stuff is kept in a greenhouse room with lots of light and a heater if needed just to keep from freezing. Besides watering I keep an eye open for any rodents or bugs.....I've had real good luck the past years with this method.
      Dick Benbow
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    4. #4
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      Thanks,
      If I build the cold frame I was thinking of digging it about 6" deep into the soil then putting the pot int he cold frame, which would have it 6" into ground for more stable temp. Then use mulch in the bottom around the pot. How does that sound.
      I really did not want to build the cold frame , but it seems best for the pines, the deciduous ones will go in shed.

      One more question.
      What should I make the top lid of the Cold frame with. Should it be clear glass/plexiglass. Or should it be something with a tint/frosted to it?
      Last edited by anthonym; 09-11-2007 at 05:22 PM.

    5. #5
      dick benbow's Avatar
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      I'd suggest clear. the angle on the sun is pretty indirect so the clear stuff will allow in as much light as is available. Glad to see your planning the cold frame.
      do us a favor and post a pic if you can. would like to see it.....
      Dick Benbow
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    6. #6
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      Ok , thanks, I will post pics, will be interesting, I am no carpenter.

    7. #7
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      Zone 5 here so a little colder than you.

      A couple of things to add to Dicks excellent advice. I like cold frame's also

      If your going to set the pots on the ground and mulch around them, set them on something ( bricks,rocks, strips of wood,etc.) so the pots drainage holes are off the ground so they do not get plugged when the pot settle into the soil. They need to be free draining.

      If the root ball freezes solid and stays frozen(they do here ) no need to water. If there's no snow to throw on them I like to put some ice cubes on the mulch around the pots so if it does get above freezing it will thaw and provide some moisture. Watch the "over watering" on some plants (maples, elms) as they have fleshy roots that can adsorb lots of water. If they freeze in this condition the roots can be damaged. Learned this the hard way during freeze/thaw periods with a Chinese Elm this past winter.

      My experience is that some evergreen tree's can be kept in darkness during dormant periods.
      My Satsuki Azalea has a hard time with our single digit/below 0*deg. winters. So it spends most winters in the spare fridge .

      Robert
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    8. #8
      dick benbow's Avatar
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      thank-you Robert! Some really good practical tips! Love the shot of your satsuki in bloom and your kohaku drifting by....
      Dick Benbow
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    9. #9
      anthonym's Avatar
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      Thanks for all the help.
      I agree that is an excellent pic of your bonsai with the Kohaku in the bg.

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