I've got'em growing,now what do i do with them?

[rondo769]

I have started 4 different kinds of pine,JRP,JBP,JWP,and mexican weeping pine.These will all be bonsai stock.I stratified them now they're germinating.My problem is i have been transplanting them as they come up,alot are not surviving.I transplant them into a good seed starting soil,but they seem to die shortly afterwards,anybody know what I'm doing wrong?

[havalotta]

Is it sterile?
How are you removing them from the mix?
Could they possibly be reburied too deep?
Maybe too wet?

I start my seeds in separate pots to avoid the transplanting shock.
They become larger and stronger there before they need that first move.

[Equilibrium]

Can you tell me what JRP,JBP, and JWP means? AWESOME that you have germination!!! I don't germinate woody seedlings in trays. I had the same problems you are having. Not enough room for a tap root. I use 2-liter pop bottles, large plastic refillable fountain drink cups a friend saves for me, sports drink bottles another friend saves for me, and large solo cups when I can't get enough of the free containers. I use a utility knife to slice down the sides of the plastic to avoid disturbing the seedling when transplanting. Old style coffee cans and half gallon OJ and milk containers that came in that waxy cardboard used to work the best for me since I could cut off the bottom and plant the whole kit and kaboodle without disturbing the roots but I can NEVER get my hands on enough of those. I did break down and buy some plug trays specifically for woodies. Anywho... they don't seem to take kindly to root disturbance so try holding off transplanting them as long as you can and see if moving from a tray system to an individual pot system doesn't cut your losses.

[rondo769]

Japanese white pine.Japanese black pine and japanese red pine

[rondo769]

Originally Posted by havalotta

Is it sterile?
How are you removing them from the mix?
Could they possibly be reburied too deep?
Maybe too wet?

I start my seeds in separate pots to avoid the transplanting shock.
They become larger and stronger there before they need that first move.

I don't know that the mix is sterile,it was left over from my veggies when i started them.I very carefully pull them out as they germinate to put in the starter mix

[havalotta]

Almost had us a red white and blue moment.
I guess that would be included in the mourning.
Try the individual plantings if you have more seeds.
I'd like to see their progression as you turn them into bonsai.

[havalotta]

I know a lot of pathogens lurk in used soil. I'd sterilize it. Too many wilt off.
As far as pulling them, you might be wrecking the little root hairs on its way through the mix. Try using a small spoon. Lead it under and scoop it out with the mix intact if possible or let it fall off as it rises on its own. That should be a little more gentle approach for their removal.

[TheLorax]

You did fine. Getting germination is the hardest part. All you need to do next time is leave them be a little bit longer before transplanting them my friend. Do try growing them in individual solo cups with more space to stave off having to transplant them so soon.