GRAFTING

Grafting, for many years used as a propagation method in orchards and nurseries, is finding its was into the home garden.

Many who set out to learn the art of graftage become so enthralled that it becomes an addiction. What started out as a way to add one new variety to an old tree soon results in a tree with many varieties. Many of my customers have 25 plus varieties of apples on one tree in their yard. It is a delightful way to make the best use of a small space in your garden.

Grafting is an ideal way to try varieties that might be of marginal hardiness, rather than investing in a whole tree that might die completely or be sufficiently damaged that it is never productive. When you become a grafter you can start with a tree that is known to be hardy under the normal condition for your growing area, then add a graft or two of the varieties you are unsure of. Your only loss, should the variety prove not to be hardy, would be a few small branches, and you would be left with a healthy tree for future attempts.

Grafting allows the use of dwarfing root stocks as an interstem. That means that you have grafted the scion of a dwarfing tree to a hardy root, then have grafted the desired variety on top. This technique is particularly useful on the prairies where growing conditions limit the types of dwarf trees we can grow. Often the grafts on a tree will bear fruit at a younger age than would a tree of the same type, planted in the ground. In fact, sometimes grafts are used by breeders to see the results of their efforts sooner. I have made grafts in the spring that have fruited later that same summer.

Grafting allows us to stretch the limits. There are two basic types of grafts. Scion grafts involve the use of small pieces of a branch, usually two to three buds, while bud grafts are done with the use of a single bud. Most often scion grafts are done with dormant wood in the spring. Buds tend to be done in the summer when the trees are in a period of rapid growth. As with most things there are exceptions, but this can be used as a guideline.

So if you are interested in learning to graft, my advice is give it a try. There are many books available to get you started, or your could seek out a gardener that has already learned the art of grafting. My experience is that grafters love to share their knowledge.

Amanda Chedzoy

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