Gonna Get into the Hobby

[OneEyeMan]

Hello all.
Been watching some You Tube videos and am hooked on the beauty and grace of these trees.
I'd like to start growing something but really don't want to jump down the rabbit hole of research just yet.
I'm a minimalist at heart and would like to start with only the bare essentials.
Obviously, I need a seedling to start with.
I assume I can just start it in a regular pot in regular soil to let it grow a bit before putting it in a Bonsai pot with special soil, right?
What's the best, most forgiving tree for a beginner to start with?
What tools will I need right up front?
Can I use good sharp regular scissors to do pruning with?
What kind of wire do I need to train brench growth.
How do I pick the size of bonsai pot when it's time to repot?
What soil should I repot into?
What kind of mesh do I use to cover the drainage holes?
Links to good suppliers are always appreciated.
And please post up your own pride and joys to inspire me.
I'm sure most of these questions have already been asked so if there's a similar thread, please point me there.
BTW I'm in Northwest NJ.
Thanks all

 

[leatherback]

I'd like to start growing something but really don't want to jump down the rabbit hole of research just yet.

So we can spell it all out for you?

As you mention,

most of these questions have already been asked

Help yourself first.

 

[OneEyeMan]

So we can spell it all out for you?

As you mention,


Help yourself first.

thanks for the warm welcome

 

[RKatzin]

Hey man, welcome aboard! To get started check out stonelantern.com for all your bonsai needs.
For a first go at it I would recommend a boxwood, elm, or Japanese maple. Get something on your bench and growing. Learn the basics of soil composition and the basic horticultural needs of trees in containers. Ask your questions even if they've been repeated a hundred times. They're new to you and the answers bare repeating so fire away. If there's any bonsai club near you I highly recommend you check it out and get to know some locals. Probably your best resource for information on what grows best in your area and a good source of material to work with. At least that's how it is at our club.
Local nurseries and garden centers can be a good source of material for bonsai. Avoid big box stores and gimmicky mass produced 'bonsai'. Make your own from the git go and learn the trade from the ground up. We're here to help.

 

[ShimpakuBonsai]

I'm sure most of these questions have already been asked so if there's a similar thread, please point me there.

To find the answers you can use the Search function of this forum in the top right corner of the forum page.

 

[19Mateo83]

Welcome to the nut house!

 

[The Barber]

Welcome to the addiction support group. Your questions are more vague than you know. Each species will possibly require a different soil mix, and care, but in most cases they do best in well draining soil, of which we all do things slightly different. I'd start with Aluminum wire, and pick up a broad range of diameters. Tools, needle nose pliers will work for now, I'd personally start with some affordable chinese flush cutters, and concave cutters, and some finer pruning scissors, at least if you are unsure if you'll be sticking with the hobby yet.

Spring is the time to repot, any other time will most likely be bad for your tree, but leaves you time to read, and learn. There is a wealth of knowledge on this forum. If you have a question, search for it first and you'll probably find a large thread on the subject.

Also be aware, they may require watering at times more than once per day. They are possibly more demanding than a house dog at times as you'll soon learn, and unlike a house dog they belong outside and will die indoors.

I buy sheets of the plastic grid stuff used for needle work from Michael's and cut to size.

Find a couple of trees you really like at a landscaping or bonsai nursery, then after that search google for info on them as bonsai, and see if they are suited, should be able to find some info pretty quickly. Check the hardiness on the species for your usda zone as well.

 

[Deep Sea Diver]

Welcome Aboard Bonsai Nut!

Would suggest a juniper as a starter tree. Usually bulletproof… but depends on where you are in Jersey,

To better help us help you, instead of posting your location on the body of the thread, please enter your approximate location and USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. Do this by double tapping your icon atop the page, then account details scroll down and enter these data and save. This way these data will appear on your icon throughout each thread you participate. That would be awesome.

One piece of advice. Please start with a decent nursery tree. This way you won’t be out much if things go south.

Cheers
DSD sends

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Welcome fellow NJ resident. Northwest NJ is zone 6.

Great Swamp Bonsai Society is probably your closest local club.

https://m.facebook.com/groups/296001945128377/

Now is a good time to read, get excited about the hobby, maybe buy a beginner tree, and look for future material to collect next spring.