Trees kept in the ground will not need watering. Trees stored in a garage should be inspected weekly and watered if the soil is dry.

Weather permitting, now is the time for dormant oil spray. Dormant oil spray smothers scale on conifers and is especially effective against white scale on Scots pines and Mugo pines. It also seems to help with saw flies. Spray your trees when the temperature will remain above freezing for at least twenty four hours. Do not use a dormant spray on deciduous trees and especially on maples. Read the label and follow the directions carefully.

On a warm day in February when you are itching to do something for your bonsai, but it is too soon to repot, select bonsai that need new containers. Then look at your inventory of containers. Select and match containers for specific plants and mark both the tree and container. You will be glad that you took the time to do so now rather than in the middle of your busy repotting cycle. If you need to buy a new container you will have enough time to make the proper selection before spring arrives.

Think about your soil formulation. Make certain that you have all the materials needed for potting and repotting. A good soil provides air circulation and moisture retention. The soil must drain well. You do not want a heavy, compact, wet soil. Jose Cueto is a bonsai master and life member of the Cincinnati Bonsai Society. His basic formulas are:

Conifers: 1 part Turface 1 part orchid bark 1 part arcolite particles

Deciduous trees: 1 part Turface 2 parts orchid bark 1 part arcolite particles

Tropical trees: 1 part Turface 3 parts orchid bark 1 part arcolite particles

Turface is clay that has been fired at a temperature. It will not disintegrate and absorbs water. Orchid bark is chunks of fir bard that have been sifted to about a ½ inch size. Arcolite is similar to crushed volcanic rock. The particles should be about the size of a pea. Or you can use crushed granite (found as chicken grit) or course sand.

Think about your tools. Bonsai tools should be clean and sharp. Oven cleaner will remove a build up of sap. Use alcohol daily to disinfect tools and remove resin from your hands and tools. W D40 will keep tools working properly. Steel wool will remove rust spots on your tools and can remove small burrs on cutting surfaces.

- Jim Hagan