Bonsai Tree Grow Kit

I knew nothing about bonsai trees, but wanted to see if I could do it. I also thought the idea of raising one from a seed would be a fun challenge. I think the kit is well put together and provides everything you need to start seeds which look like they'll make great little bonsai trees.Some of the other reviews mention a few things that I'd like to comment on, as I'm going through the same process:- I have learned that you CAN just pick up seeds from local trees and grow them as bonsai. I didn't know that when I purchased the kit but I still think the supplied species look like they'll make good trees.- Some seeds don't germinate. This is perfectly normal. In this kit they provide an abundance of seeds, and the manual clearly says if germination doesn't occur on any of the provided seeds to contact them. It does take a while, but I had multiple seedlings from each species on my first try.- Mold can occur very easily when you're keeping something moist for an extended period of time. These pots are made for transplanting the plants and disposing of the starter pot. I've used this style with garden plants and herbs before and they work very well. You will have to find an appropriate pot once they are large enough.- For the 4 starter pots, 4 pods of "soil", 4 packs of seeds, and a simple spray bottle I felt this was worth the price paid. I'm sure you can get by cheaper, but it comes with everything you need, and a nice set of instructions to get started.The one downside I noticed:- To grow one from seed will take a _long_ time. So long that the instructions really don't get into the "bonsai" part of the process. I wish they at least gave time-frames and a simple set of instructions online for how to do that part. You can search online for instructions, but I wish I'd been better informed.All in all I'm not unhappy, and think it will be a fun process. I'm considering buying some Japanese Maple seeds to see how that turns out. If you're looking to get into the bonsai part, you may wish to start with an established small bonsai and work with that. I am looking forward to that journey.

This is an excellent kit. Before getting to the kit review, I must first say that a big reason for the 5 stars is due to their customer service. I ruined the instructions that came with it through my own clumsiness. I sent a message to the seller directly and received a response incredibly quickly with an electronic version of the instructions. I have found them to be very friendly and very responsive.The instructions are clear, and I planted 4 seeds of each reserving the remainders for a second round if any failed to germinate. Germination can be a tricky beast. I was waiting to write my review until I had either successfully germinated all varieties, or if one or more failed to wait to see how customer support would handle it. All 4 have sprouted at least 1 plant now, and I used less than half of the seeds so I can do a second round and have even more plants.I read several reviews that reported mold as a major problem. Please note that the potting material is organic material and will mold if left alone. Like bread, fruit, etc., etc. given time and the right conditions any potting soil will mold. I had great luck with mine keeping the pots in an area with diffused sun all day, good ventilation, and misted with water only when needed. One additional old-school tip for preventing mold: sprinkle a (very!) small amount of cinnamon on the surface after planting the seeds. It is a natural anti-fungal. And check the soil at least daily and simply lightly rub off any apparent mold with a fingertip when you see it.EDIT: More photos, additional comments.The plants are doing great. The Jacaranda is growing like a weed. All plants have at least started the first set of "real" branches. Zero mold issues, and apparently I can't stop the Bristlecone Pine from sprouting. I already removed one sprout. I can not stress how great this kit is!

EDIT: So spring has come and I started another set of seeds to grow. I followed the instructions to the letter and out of the remaining 20 seeds, only 2 sprouts showed after 2 weeks. I continued to spritz with water and kept them in plenty of light, as well as maintaining temperature. Today, the last of the 2 sprouts has given up life and is past the point of no return. This product was a waste of my time and money!I followed the instructions to the letter. Even the difficult part, which is to score the seeds with a sharp knife. I did it and soaked them 24 hours. Since out temperature in our house is about 68F degrees, I had purchased a heat pad specifically for germinating seeds. The temp of the water fell within the range that was requested in the booklet. I potted the soil with warm water, in order to maintain the soil. By the time I put the seeds in after soaking, some were showing sprouts from the areas that were scored. I maintained soil temperatures by placing the containers on the mat, and putting a towel over the top. The soil temperature stays about 77F degrees. I spray water daily on them to keep them slightly moist as that is what the booklet says to do. It has been 4 weeks, and still they have not sprouted. I will continue to do so, but am loosing hope that they will sprout. I have extra seeds and will try again this spring when things warm up. I am not happy.