FredL

Johnsai, where do you live? If it's too early to collect where you live, it won't be long until it will be. Here in the Ozarks, the time of year for collecting is just starting and will continue for the next several weeks.

I'd suggest a change to your mindset and that you begin thinking Wild to Growbox to Bonsai Pot. A growbox is a less strenuous environment for a newly collected tree and gives it time to re-establish itself before going into the more restricted environment of a bonsai pot. Besides that, it's a real inexpensive way for a beginner to start out. An easy way to make growboxes is to pick up a few 10 to 16 quart plastic wash basins at your local Walmart or other 99 cent bargain store, drill some holes in the bottom of each (at least five 3/4" holes) and plant your tree in it in good bonsai soil mix. A couple of years in a grow box will allow it to grow the kind of root system it will need to succeed in a bonsai pot and will let you begin initial training.

You are quite fortunate to live in an area with good material available growing wild. Good luck with it and stay in touch!

Fred