Starting with bonsai made easy (An overview to start growing bonsai)

In this video I will cover the main concepts in bonsai, what trees to use, the initial techniques you might need and the tools that are used for it. A real Bonsai for Dummies / Bonsai 101 starter kit!

0:00 Making bonsai easy index
1:30 What are Bonsai?
3:58 Everybody is an expert (Finding help )
5:45 Bonsai tree species (Seedkits)
7:03 Where to buy Bonsai (material)
9:03 How to select a Bonsai Tree
10:35 Three groups of trees
15:05 Starting bonsai from a garden centre tree
17:02 Basic Bonsai Techniques
18:10 Fertilizing Bonsai
19:31 Common bonsai tools to use
21:35 Main recommendation for starting Bonsai

[damontolhurst]

I like that you emphasized just having fun and doing what you want. It seems like so many people expect everyone in bonsai to be trying to show off their trees and win awards or something. My trees are just for me. I’ll never do a show, which really frees me from having to worry about what makes a tree “worthy” or whatever.

[Clingclongclay]

I am only 3 minutes in and as a beginner I am already finding this video to be immensely helpful. You are answering so many questions I've had right from the start

[Akatsuki-En]

I think a good rule of thumb is a good bonsai looks like a photo of a large tree

[kastgregory]

*APPLAUSE* I always find encouragement from your videos - there's a lot of content out there to tell you the facts, but you are motivating as well. Very good content. I've got a million questions since my trees keep dying (think I've being too aggressive with root-pruning), so thanks for the help! I'm brand new to this.

[Tcromb]

This was one of THEE most helpful overview videos I've come across. Extremely clear. Extremely helpful! Thank you Jelle!

[NilsHagberg]

Thanks for all your great videos Jelle!
After the initial total beginner phase I find three types of videos very useful:
1. Problem videos
2. Species specific videos
3. Season specific videos

I learn a lot from hearing you tackle a specific problem. It can be a pest, a design challenge, or perhaps a tough call balancing health of a tree with getting results fast.

It’s also very interesting to dive deeper into specific species. I have a pretty good idea now about the general practice of repotting, winter protection, pruning, etc. But learning more about specific species is what many of us need. There are a lot of ”how to repot” videos, but much rarer to find what to think about when repotting a specific species.

And finally, I find it increasibly useful when I you make a timely post of a video of the sort ”summer pruning” just as summer approaches. Very helpful!

[noobiechick]

I've decided that this winter I'm going to go on my first bonsai adventure. This was the first video I have watched about bonsai's and I found it really informative! Thank you so much.

[bejkee]

This is amazing as always. What I would love to see also from you is a video on recommendation for what kind and diamater wire to get as a total beginner (also how much of each) and how to choose wire diameter when wiring a tree.

[casteluchi]

I like your philosophy, the way you explain everything, the advices... I'm starting in this world. I'll watch all your videos. Thank you

[scheers]

Having fun is the first and last thing that is needed I think. Of course you need a tree of some sort and some basic tools. Experience comes with time, on styling as well as on horticultural level. So the next best thing to having fun is testing and seeing(learning). Great content that gives everyone the opportunity to get going!

[CameronMuncie]

You, Milton and peter chan are my fav bonsai artists/creators. Awesome video Jelle!!!

[mcmak]

Thank you, Jelle. People charge lots of money for information that is as well put together as your videos!

[anooptitus]

Lovely video. I always adored bonsai, but I was told that it was so hard by my dad that I then kept my adoration to myself and thought that I would never be able to grow one. After watching this I feel some hope and confidence about starting something from scratch. Thank you so much! Thank you for your optimistic attitude as well. :)

[Niemamoka]

Hell yeah, as a persons who watched all your videos ( twice ) thought you can’t get more content packed in one video. You prove me wrong, awesome and informative content. Very accurate with tools. I’m running just hybrid cutter, anything else except wire are “normal” tools.

[gttsunami]

Thanks for covering a broad number of basics in a clear yet detailed manner. 👍

[PumpkinBecki]

Lovely video as always Jelle xx I particularly resonate with one of your last statements. My trees will never be show-worthy, but I'm enjoying myself and that is absolutely THE most important thing 😊 xx

[mikeal]

I bought 5 bonsai, maple, black pine, one with orange balls, one with green balls, and one with really cool exposed roots. Apologies for not knowing the names but the tags were in Japanese. I threw them out before translating. I am now starting my research now. It is much more to this than I realized, Mr. Miyagi made it look easy...

[JudyGSD]

Jelle you are the bonsai Guru! What would we do without your insight, on the ups and downs of growing bonsai, and the happiness and beauty it provides us when it all comes together. You tell it like it truly is, and for that I appreciate ❤️👍

[kathrynecherie]

Best bonsai video I've seen so far! I will be watching more! Thank you!!!

[PercyWarX]

You hit on the nail with Bonsai to have fun. I lot of local native trees, some tropicals and some Japanese trees like maples and pines. Here in SA these are the common bonsai trees, Celtis africana, Senegalia burkei, Olea europaea L. subsp. africana, Portulacaria afra, Adansonia digitata, Schotia brachypetala and few others that I still don't. Most our native acacia trees are used as Bonsai Material, grow easy from seed and cuttings. I'm experimenting with Sausage Tree (Kigelia Africana) have big tree in my yard and plant the seeds and they germinate easy, do well with root pruning and 3 thats starting to get nice fat trunks and they are not older than 3 years. As always love your vids. Keep it Up!