Wintering question, apple tree bonsai question and jade bonsai question

[Culper Woodhull]

Well I had a few questions and thought it best to consolidate into one thread. The first question is it too early to put my juniper bonsai in for wintering? Also, I've decided the egress window would be a great place for wintering, do you think it should be fine in this egress window? My children and I grew some apple trees, but our HOA are ridiculous and are making a big deal about me planting them. So alternatively I'd like to try and bonsai them. Should I let the apple trees grow into the pot until the roots are "taking over" then prune roots and place in bonsai pot and substrate? Should I cut the apple trees down to size now or just let grow? What bonsai soil mixture should I use for an apple bonsai? Will these baby saplings withstand the winter in those pots? I love my Jade Bonsai since I get to tend to it often. I am curious as to how the branches will become hardened and form bark. Do I keep pruning back until it develops or do I need to let it grow until a woody characteristic forms? Lastly, how long is it recommended to leave training wire on a bonsai? I know its a lot of questions, I apologize. Thanks for any and all info given.

 

[Anthony]

Earlier this year, an apple appeared and had a germinating seed.
Around January 15 or so next year, it will spend 2 months in the fridge.
See you in spring.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[JudyB]

It's a bit hard to give you pertinent advice as you don't tell us where on earth you live. If you go to your profile page you'll be able to put it there so it will show up under your name. You have a lot of questions! Your seedlings will be fine in these pots in the winter. You may want to bury the pots in mulch depending on how cold your winters are. You don't want to cut them until the trunk gets much bigger, unless you want a very small size bonsai. You would do well to read lots of threads here and get a feel of what building a bonsai is about. There are good books out there, I would suggest getting a couple and reading up this winter.
Wire is left on until the bend is set, and just before it starts to cut into the bark.