Hard Graft Pending

The phrase "hard graft" means hard work, at least here in NZ it does. And I think I might have a bit of that pending as I start to learn how to graft fruit trees. I'm assembling the tools and the information here at Struan Farm, including grafting tape, special knife and the SCE's Open Orchard Project's Handbook :

I've got some Northern Spy apple rootstock and quince interstock (with pear grafted) ordered from Thunder Mountain Orchard & Nursery, for delivery in July. I'll be getting scion wood from some of the heritage trees in our area as part of the Piopio Heritage Fruit Tree Project in the next month too. That is meant to be kept chilled and wrapped in the fridge until actual grafting in September.

I've watched a few You Tube videos on the subject but am hoping to attend a workshop to practice before I actually tackle anything. There's a bit of eye rolling going on in our house but I'll survive that. I have had help from him to get an area prepared for the tree nursery, so I know he does support the cause.

Comments

[Jen Yates]

I doubt eye-rolling ever stopped you, Karen! Sounds like an exciting project really!