Question
Perhaps an unusual question for you....This past December, I purchased chestnuts at an Italian specialty shop. I found 5 chestnuts in the bag which had sprouted.  I put these in water for a few weeks, then in small peat pots, light potting mix.  Now, on my desk, I have 3 - 8" trees growing rapidly, & 2 showing root growth at the bottom.  We live in Wisconsin---harsh winters.  After frost danger, can I plant them in the ground?  And more importantly, can they survive our winters?????  And what do I do with them over the next 3 months????  Thanks so much for any help you can give!

Answer
Yes these can be planted out in the ground after the threat of frost has pasted. And yes there are chestnuts growing in Wisconsin naturally. I would  put them in a larger pot with potting soil and let them grow a little more roots before transplanting them out. Then dig the hole twice the size of the pot and as deep and fill with good top soil or potting soil. mulch around the seedlings with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. water if the soil gets dry but not too much. You also may want to contact the local office of the Wisconsin Forestry state agency and ask their advice. Their number should be in the local phone book.