Page 101 - Tài liệu Ebook cây cảnh Bonsai Basics

BONSAI CALENDAR 103

EARLY SPRING

This is a period of dramatic change for
plants, a transition from the rigours of
winter to the milder temperatures of
spring. Early spring is a hazardous time
when there is still a risk of severe frost,
particularly at the beginning of the
month, at a time when the young buds
may have started to grow after a mild
winter. Watch out for any serious
changes in the weather, bearing in mind
that winter is hardly out of the way yet.
Watering is a skilled operation at this
time of year, as budding plants require a
Jot of water, but this puts their root balls
at risk from frost if the temperature
drops sharply. During this period, it is
well worth protecting trees at night and
when the weather is overcast and then
placing them in a more exposed spot
when the weather is fine and mild.
Anyway, watering should be limited, as The absence of leaves makes wiring easier. Make
overwatering when it is warmer will lead sure the wires do not mark the bark.
to excessive budding (bad for bonsai),
which then calls for early pinching out.
Do not use fertilizer until you are sure
the plant has started its growing period,
as this would cause the tree to grow too
quickly, with the same effects as exces-
sive watering.
Most trees should be pruned for shape
before they start growing (usually during
the first three weeks of early spring). It is
not a good time to do wiring, as the sap
on deciduous trees should be flowing
freely before they are wired.
If you have some shelter (a cold frame
or even better a greenhouse), early spring
is the ideal time for seed-raising. In good
conditions, the seeds will take a few
weeks to come up, taking advantage of
the milder mid- and late spring weather
to germinate and grow. For all early
flowering plants, such as jasmine, now is
the time to cut away all faded blooms.
Any of these which are left on the tree
If you do not have a cold-frame, sow the seeds in a
could encourage fungal disease. It is also dish instead. Cover the dish with a sheet of glass,
a good time for grafting. propped open slightly.