Hu guys, I just got a Juniper Bonsai Starter Kit.
The Juniper is 3yrs old, the trunk around 1/8th of an inch thick. Do you think that it safe to work on, or should I let it bulk up some.

This is a young plant that needs 4 years in the ground to grow on. There is nothing you can do to it now, it is too small.
What country are you in?

Thanks for telling me not to anything to the young Juniper.
I will plant her and let her grow for a couple of years.
I have a couple of questions though...I was told by lady friend that she knows a guy that does Bonsai, and uses
potting soil for planting, is that right?
And my next question, is there an alternative to "Bonsai wire? Can I use wire that can be bought in a craft store?
The kind they use for flower arrangements?

Well, there are as many soil mixes as there are bonsai growers.
Most people use a mix that suits them and thier watering regime. Some like a lighter freeer draining one some a slightly heavier mix. I use Akadama this is a Japanese dried clay, free draining but holds moisture, it is not cheap and in places not easily available. There are different potting soils, so it would depend on what he uses, but I would not use one with a lot of peat in it. Why not try to get in contact with the guy and ask him? I always suggest that joining a club is the best way to learn, and you will have access to material too.
Have a look at bonsai4me.com you will find lots of good advice there,
As for wire, no, you need wire that is specifically for wiring bonsai, but you will not need any for a long time.
Geoff.

Hi there Robert,

As Geoff just said, there are so many soil mixes that you can use that it is practically imposible to state a rule for it. However, there a few guidelines that we all can follow in order to help us maintain our trees relatively happy. So, that said, I leave you this link posted in the blog of this very same page for you to read if you haven´t done it yet.

www.bonsaiempire.com/blog/bonsai-soil-requirements

Alain