thanks for the props. im in zone 8a. i water the pines almost every day in summer because they dry out pretty fast in inorganic substrate combined with the colander. i get a lot of rain at different times of the year, so the fast draining substrate helps with overwatering. for the pines wet/dry cycle, they like going over the line toward the dryer side before watering again, so like now in the fall months with the temps dropping, especially at night, i haven't had to water as often. 4yr olds: still almost every day. 3yr olds about every 2 days. the seedlings in coco coir/perlite get watered about once a week now. i do leave the pines on the bench in winter. i haven't lost any to cold yet. it usually gets down to around 20f consistently.

thank you!! @@DarthMasiah