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winters in missouri

hi, i'm from missouri. until now i've only had ficuses as bonsai but i've wanted to try my hand at so many others but have always been worried about the winters in missouri. so i've made up my mind to try my hand at some outdoor bonsai. i bought a small boxwood at the local walmart and have begun training it. as to winterizing it my idea was to place it under my deck and cover it with mulch. does this sound like a good idea?
Asked by jason 11 months ago
 
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Answers (2)
Votes: +0
Answered by BonsaiMark on September 27, 2009
Jason

Covered in MULCH is fine but make sure the mulch is covering the entire tree. The problem I have with mulch is that it is also a wonderful haven for many unwanted pests that will over winter and survive in the mulch. Causing you major headaches come spring.

Like Debi from Toronto and her balcony bonsai, If the tree isn't too big you can buy yourself an "Igloo Cooler" or something similar and keep the tree in it over the winter outside. Checking now and then to make sure the roots are staying moist.(When not frozen) The tree will do just fine in the dark. What the tree can't take is the drying cold winds.

If you have a basement or an enclosed unheated porch you can keep the tree there. (Ashley likes to use his bulkhead entry.) I cannot stress the issue enough, that it isn't so much the cold that kills the tree as it is the cold wind that sucks the moisture out of the tree. Bonsai trees do not have the roots to store enough moisture for the tree to survive.

Hope this idea helps! Sorry I couldn't answer sooner.

Ciao!
Bonsaimark
 
Comment by jason on September 27, 2009
well, as for the winds. i was originally thinking of putting it under my deck. it would have structures on 4 sinds that would be blocking out wind. my biggest fear was the root mass.
 
Votes: +0
Answered by BonsaiMark on September 27, 2009
Jason

If the 4 sides are able to keep out the wind, it should be ok. You will need to check the roots regularly for moisture and if they need water, water them.

If you haven't done so, do it now and give the tree(s) an application of 0-10-10 fertilizer. 0-10-10 really helps trees over the winter and the following spring.

ciao!
Bonsaimark