Repotting tools...

[Smoke]

Hey guys and gals,
Do you feel a root hook is necessary? I don't currently own one, and I'd pick one up from Kaneshin if necessary. Could you get away with simply using your fingers to break up the rootball?
In terms of scissors to prune the roots, I'm gonna guess you can use whatever scissors float your goat, yes?
Thanks guys!

It seems foolish, but I was always one to slip-pot trees. I never truly followed the rule where you need to bare root the tree and spread the roots. I just kinda took them out and would cut the rootball back and plop it into another pot.
I just want to make sure I'm doing what should be done to ensure proper tree health this go-around.
Chopsticks make perfect sense, now I've just gotta find some....

I'm gonna guess wiping tools down with rubbing alcohol is the way to go after using all tools, correct? Not necessarily just your root tools, but concave cutters, etc.

Hmmm$?#@!!

I was always under the impression you were a semi-professional? Did you take a slam to the head and lose your memory.....

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Hmmm$?#@!!

I was always under the impression you were a semi-professional? Did you take a slam to the head and lose your memory.....

Ha, there's NOTHING about me that's "semi-professional" about me except for maybe my photography.

I've just been kinda going along not truly knowing what I'm doing in terms of the grand scheme of things. Just scooting along.

 

[Anthony]

You know Ryan, when we repot, unless it is a new plant, there is no washing off of the soil.
Just a cut about an inch or inch and a half from sides and underneath. Can also be 2 ".
Then with a home-made small rake [ 5 iron wires curved attached to a handle ] we comb out
half an inch to see if any roots curled back.

That is trimmed and the tree is replaced in the pot with " new soil " [ read old soil sifted for
inorganic material and fresh aged compost .]

If need be a root pruner, and a simple sharpened pair of secateurs. The yard has a Chinese bamboo
hedge so you know where the poke stick comes from.

That's a sharpened ordinary straight edged knife, a root pruner, secateurs, small rake and
bamboo poke stick.
As well the sifters and about 4 buckets and a large plastic tray.
Not much expense.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[sorce]

scooting

Bimbling.!

We Bimble!

Sorce

 

[GrimLore]

Actually 70 percent iso or rubbing alcohol is a more effective sanitizer than 90 or 100 percent. Sanitization is a more appropriate word than sterilization, true sterilizing takes more.
The reason is because it evaporates slower and stays in contact with microbes for longer. You have to wait and let it evaporate too, the dessication from evaporation is a large part of what kills the microbes. I've learned this through my mushroom growing where good sterilizing/sanitizing methods are very critical and if methods are poor you sure pay for it!

I was thinking about this the other day and cleaning tools. I was really vague and will try to explain myself better

I went from lower to higher percent Isopropyl a long time ago not for sanitation but for cleaning sap and gum off tools. I find it far more efficient especially after Crystal works on Tropicals.

If I feel a need to Sanitize as I did in Spring of 2015 I first clean with the Isopropyl, dry and spray with Clorox Clean Up spray. After that drying I oil with 3 in 1 oil. Honest I rarely see a need to sanitize as I usually don't have problems that require it.

Grimmy

 

[Rambles]

I use on old stainless-steel mess kit fork as a root rake. The tines are widely spaced, rounded, and bent at a comfy angle for most work.

 

[sorce]

I oil with 3 in 1 oil.

What if it is really 4 in 1?

What if the oil also traps pathogens?

I worry about that.

Thoughts?

Sorce

 

[GrimLore]

What if the oil also traps pathogens?

I worry about that.

Thoughts?

I am pretty certain if I do a final cleaning in Clorox Cleanup there are no pathogens to trap If one is concerned however they could simply use Mineral Oil instead as it is the recommended final coat on wood surfaces cleaned with vinegar by the FDA. I do use the vinegar/mineral oil treatment on Crystal's Baking surface, all wooden kitchen utensils, bamboo cutting boards, and clay pots. Pretty cool as they remain unstained no matter what you use them with. If I stir a Spaghetti sauce with a wooden spoon here the sauce simply rinses off. Same with the surfaces, she can cut up berries and no stains... Pretty simple and effective combination. I don't use the vinegar on the Bonsai tools as Isopropyl is far more efficient for sap removal.

Grimmy

 

[sorce]

pathogens to trap

Meant catch I guess...as in after cleaning...till use.

All this fungus talk.....got me trillion!

Sorce