Best cost-efficient medium for growing maples in pots (pre-bonsai)

[Wires_Guy_wires]

I'm growing maples in potting soil.
It's about the cheapest out there. It takes some different watering habits, but I don't see a reason why I shouldn't do this.

 

[Wood]

At one of the Bonsai Central discussions, Andrew Robson recommended a 1:1 of high-quality (peat-free) potting soil and pumice or perlite. It's intended as a temporary (up to 10 years) soil that will eventually be removed from the rootball

 

[Rivian]

high-quality (peat-free)

Why peat-free?

 

[Wood]

I don't remember any particular horticultural reason that Andrew gave. Separately, I do know that peat is decayed bog biomaterial from thousands of years ago, which makes it a non-renewable resource, and harvesting it involves draining a bog (which is a carbon sink), removing all the vegetation, then digging up the leftover peat. Not ideal in the middle of a climate crisis

 

[Rivian]

From my experience, peaty potting soil works very well for Japanese maples. Just dont overpot or water too often.
Could mix in a small amount of pumice, perlite or charcoal as well.

 

[MapleMay]

I'm growing maples in potting soil.
It's about the cheapest out there. It takes some different watering habits, but I don't see a reason why I shouldn't do this.

I have the best luck germinating seeds and keeping the maple saplings in a good potting mix (80% potting mix 20% perlite), but I think I just worry too much, plus this year we're getting the weirdest weather so far and I worry things will get too soggy

 

[MapleMay]

I don't remember any particular horticultural reason that Andrew gave. Separately, I do know that peat is decayed bog biomaterial from thousands of years ago, which makes it a non-renewable resource, and harvesting it involves draining a bog (which is a carbon sink), removing all the vegetation, then digging up the leftover peat. Not ideal in the middle of a climate crisis

Yeah I've done my best now to avoid anything that is mostly peat because of this. Seems a lot more soil companies where I am are moving to coco coir

 

[MapleMay]

Update: I found some good sized bags of pine bark that I will start composting in my backyard

 

[penumbra]

Composted pine bark is a luxury. I have been using bagged pine bark mulch for 40 years.

 

[MapleMay]

Composted pine bark is a luxury. I have been using bagged pine bark mulch for 40 years.

Do you have to deal with nitrogen deficiencies? Also it doesn't burn your trees at all?