Monthly Bonsai Care Guide
Month-by-month care tips for the Northeast US climate, adapted from 17 years of GSBS newsletters and decades of member experience.
March
Repot & Collect
- 1
Prime repotting season - root-prune and repot most species this month.
- 2
Gradually bring trees out of winter shelter as frost risk decreases.
- 3
Spray for fungus and insects on warm days before buds open.
- 4
Good month for collecting trees from the wild (yamadori) - dig before leaves emerge.
- 5
Begin light fertilizing as growth starts.
- 6
Repotting frequency varies by age: young trees every 1–2 years, mature trees every 3–5 years.
- 7
When using insecticides or fungicides on container-grown trees, apply at half the label strength to avoid root burn.
Species-Specific Tips - March
Repot maples, elms, beeches. Root prune up to 1/3. Use well-draining soil mix.
Quick Reference
Watering
Increase as growth begins
Fertilizing
Begin as buds open
Pruning
Light pruning as needed
Repotting
Peak repotting season
Seasons
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Full Year at a Glance
Learn More at Our Monthly Meetings
Our members have decades of experience with bonsai care in the Northeast climate. Join us any second Tuesday to learn hands-on.