I know that this is an older thread, but I did not wish to start a new one. What are everyone's thoughts on using plastic fertilizer baskets? I have had positive experiences and though they are not dirt cheap in sufficient quantity for a decent sized bonsai collection, I feel they are effective at keeping vermin from totally interfering with my fertilizing regimen. I favor the ones that snap shut and have a small stake to attach into the soil. The baskets last several years, even in the harsh Florida sun and keep the fertilizer pellets from dissolving too quickly and mucking up the soil. I am especially pleased with the small sized ones recently purchased from eBay (just have to be selective about the color, some are extremely unsightly!). The small baskets stay shut and allow virtually none of the residual material to get into the substrate as the pellets break down. Lacking a sufficient number of these baskets, I have recently just scattered the fertilizer pellets on the soil surface of many of my less far along pre-bonsai and twigs in pots. The fertilizer pellets (that don't get knocked off or eaten) quickly break down and become clumps on the soil within a few waterings. Thus, I do plan to source enough as cheaply as possible for all my potted trees.
I see virtually no photos of these on the forums here, so I was just wondering why these are not more commonly used? Tea bags could work but it seems these would be messy compared to the baskets (and easier for vermin to get to).
