So after 2 weeks, I have seen no signs of growth with my seeds. These were Scots Pine, Red Maple, Dawn Redwood and Larch.

I have been watering them when the soil starts to become dry. I am new to the art of bonsai/ growing in general. But I was wondering what I should do now.

Have another go? dispose of the old and start again? Or just keep them watered and hope for the best. I know sometimes it takes a while for the seeds to germinate but I wasn't sure I was doing anything wrong...

If you guys could add some hints below of what I can do next/ start now if I am keeping the current seeds.

You probably did something wrong. It's difficult for us to tell you what to do, when we havent followed the process.

Keep them watered and hope for the best. Next time study more and follow a guide that works. You can find guides everewhere. Good luck.

Just keep them outside, keep them from staying soaking wet too long. Come spring you will see germination unless the seeds are duds.

WHere did you get the seeds? Reputable seed dealer or alibaba?

I got them in a kit which might explain a lot. I soaked them for 24 hours and used the seeds that had sunk. I also used a nail clipper just to clip the bit it was attached to the parent tree to help speed up the germinating process but nothing seems to have worked...

Philihar wrote:

I also used a nail clipper just to clip the bit it was attached to the parent tree to help speed up the germinating process but nothing seems to have worked...

First of all.. It just takes time. Expecting seedlings within a week or two is for pretty much all species unrealistic. Seeds are dormant and wait for optimal circumstances. I have sowed mine in November, and no activity above-ground yet. I do not want any till march anyway. With frost arriving again this week, I am pretty sure they stay in the ground till march now.

Clipping seeds is only for very specific species. The ones you mention do not need it. Worse, by clipping the seed you open it up for pathogens.

So amazingly I have my first bit of green, I was wondering what my next plan is, how do I keep it alive?!

Philihar wrote:

I was wondering what my next plan is, how do I keep it alive?!

these are probably all questions you should have looked up or asked before even starting this. for the next 10-20 years all you will be doing is watering (keep soil moist not drenched) and fertilize when time permits and let them grow. now is the time to start reading lots of material since you have some years before you will do any trimming or shaping here.

Do you have any books you recommend reading?

Clicio started a very helpful thread for this.
www.bonsaiempire.com/forum/evolve/11967-...a-basic-list?start=0

this thread list some reading material that you can look up.

If I look at the picture I get this suspicion these are not in your garden. You do realize they should be outside, right?

The soil looks very wet. This increases the risk of fungus and fungus gnats. Try to keep them drier.

For now, you do not need bonsai books. You are growing trees from seed.