So I bought some 1 gallin JMs last year that got chomped by rabbits this past winter. Most are coming back, but I was wondering, 2 are going to get planted in the ground, and others I plan to put in a bigger pot.

The ones going in a pot, what size would be good, and what potting mix to use? The ones going in the ground, should I add compost or anything to the planting hole or amend it in any particular way?

The size pot you use is dependent upon how large you plan to let your JMs grow. I've had one in a 3 gallon pot for for 20 years or more but I also have them in 10 to 15 gallon pots. Use regular potting soil in the pots (never moisture control).

In your yard, don't add anything to the soil, just dig a big hole and plant. JMs don't like high nutrient soil so the best thing to do for them is make sure the soil is loose and fast draining. Never plant them in a lawn.

Thank you Daisy. Also, do plastic vs ceramic pots matter at all? I know they have to have plenty of drainage holes.

Volume of the roots is also the key if you plan to put them in pots. I found out that containers larger than the twice roots of JMs volume can give problems. I lost several because I did not know any better. Wood pots can forgive but plastics pots may not.

Rido, one of the common "pot larger than the root system" problems is overwatering. The drying time of soil in pots is a combination of what moisture the plant can use, evaporation and organic matter in the soil. The larger the pot, the longer it takes for a plant to use the water and the slower the evaporation. A lot or organic matter slows the process even more. Never ever use moisture control soil.

When I repot my JMs, I usually discover the roots fill the pot. I don't increase the size of the pot, I decrease the mass of the root ball. JMs in pots don't need that much root mass because they don't need to seek water. My JMs are on a drip system and are watered every other day. I use a good brand of potting soil and add pumice or perlite. Lots of organic matter but lots of "fluffiness" too.

Nhra_20, You are right on the border climate wise, of being able to grow a JM at all. If you keep any in pots be prepared to winter over in a shed or garage. All mine are in heavy ceramic pots but also protected in a courtyard. Plants in pots should be hardy to 2 zones below yours. Therefore, it doesn't really matter whether your pots are plastic or pottery or wood because they won't be able to spend the winter outside anyway.

Ceramic pots used to be cheaper. I have gotten some really great pots over the years but when I look at prices these days, my heart stops. When you find a pot, just put a single sheet of newspaper or some window screen in the bottom, nothing else.

Daisy, could I add like river rock in the bottom of a plastic pot, like say an inch high to add some weight so they don't tip over easily? Especially as the trees grow larger?

No. Adding anything to the bottom of a pot causes a condition called a 'perched water table' - that is a bad thing.

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