From sapling to bonsai... how?

Hi all,

I recently acquired a silver birch sapling and was wondering what would be the best way to grow it for bonsai? Its about 2-3 inches high at the moment in a 5 inch pot. i thought i should just let it grow for now but im not sure what to do when it gets to a good size?

thanks

You have the right thought. Let it grow. When -- in 3-5 years -- it has a trunk diameter of at least 1 inch (2 is better), show us a picture and ask again.

BUT if you want it to grow appreciably, you will need to either plant it in the ground or into a much bigger pot or grow box.

Ah ok, ill be heading out for a much larger pot tomorrow then

Thanks Jim

Something that is quite shallow will be better than a deep pot. You don't want your roots to grow down -- you want them to spread. Azalea pots are a possibility. Dunno what you'd call them in England.