Bonsai Soil Components

Granite

1. Decomposed Granite is found in stream beds
    
2. Crushed granite is available as "Grani-Grit" and may be found at feed stores where it is purchased for use with chicken and turkeys. There are three sizes of particles:
    
   • Starter, 1/16 inch
      
   • Growers, 1/8 inch
      
   • Developers-Layers, 1/4 inch
      

      Local sources for granite are:

      Triangle Feed & Supply Inc.
      716 Broad Street
      Fuquay Varina NC
            - about $4 per bag.
 

      Triangle Farm and Home Inc.
      7603 N. Roxboro Rd. (Hwy 501)
      Bahama NC
      919-471-0000
...has granite grit (also known as chicken grit or grani-grit) in three sizes: starter (1/8"), growth (1/4"), and developer (3/8"). The price is $4 for a 50 pound bag. Call before you go to make sure they have the size you want.
 

Sand
 

      (The NC Arboretum in Asheville, NC substitutes this for granite in their bonsai soil mix.)
      Hughes Supply Company
      1252 Intrepid Court
      Raleigh NC 27610
      phone 1-800-248-4526
      Ask for "Well Gravel #3" - $4.62 for a 50-pound bag
 

Top Soil/Composted Pine Bark
 

      Several brands can be found at home and garden centers. Fafard Soil Conditioner can be purchased at Stone Bros. & Byrd, located at 700 Washington, Durham, NC.
      Magestic Organic Soil Conditioner can be purchased at Lowe's and Home Depot.
 

Baked Clay

      Baked clay products suitable for bonsai soil include:
 

1. Turface - Eastern Turf, 1045 Bragg Blvd., Fayetteville NC 28301
    
2. Terra Green
    
3. Diamond-Pro, available from Nivek, 7302 Cessna Drive, Greensboro, NC 27409 1-800-225-8061 - about $7.50 for a 50 pound bag.  
4. Diamond-Pro, available from Atlantic Avenue and Garden Center, 5217 Atlantic Ave. Raleigh, NC 27616  (919) 878-8877  about $12.00 per 50 pound bag.
    
5. Perma-til (a larger particle) Tru-Value Hardware Stores
6. Haydite - Youkou Bonsai

      Thanks to Steve Giles for compiling this information!