In my neighbors field are several giant 100 yr old+ apple trees, called "pound sweet". I would like to learn how to graft a branch of these trees onto another tree, creating a new "pound sweet" apple tree. I'm hoping I can clone these old beauties. Does anyone know how to do this? Is there any other way to clone these trees, as I dont see any suckers or baby trees nearby? Thanks!

-- Michele Rae Padgett (michelesmelodyfarm@Yahoo.com), May 10, 2001

Answers

http://instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/courses/hort494/graft.old/ should have everything you need to know about grafting.

==>paul

-- paul (p@ledgewood-consulting.com), May 10, 2001.

Try www.attra.org . They may have some info as they maintain a very comprahensive agronomy/agriculture library database.

-- Jay Blair in N. Al (jayblair678@yahoo.com), May 10, 2001.

Talk to your extension office and see if they could recommend someone who could show you. In Maine they have a seminar called Maine Garden Day and they have courses concerning many gardening topics. I took a practical course on grafting this year that was WONDERFUL! Having learned at the seminar (after having read several books and listened to descriptions by several people), I think having someone show you how to do the grafts and help you try it out is the best way to go. Your local extension agent might know someone who does a lot of grafting and might help you learn.

-- Sheryl in ME (radams@sacoriver.net), May 12, 2001.

Steps to A Successful Graft In early spring, match scion wood to rootstock (the scion must be fully dormant). Ideally, they should be exactly the same diameter, though the rootstock may be slightly larger. Make a slanting cut halfway between buds on both scion and rootstock, holding them together to ensure that the angle is the same. Make clean cuts using a very sharp knife. Make matching slits (the tongues) about 1/4-inch deep in the surface of each cut. These notches interlock when the scion and stock are joined. Join the scion and rootstock by aligning their cambium layers. (The cambium is the active, green layer of tissue between the bark and the wood.) Make the graft by gently pushing the scion into the rootstock and interlocking the tongues. If the scion and rootstock widths are slightly dissimilar, match the cambium layers on at least one side of the graft. Wrap and stake the graft to secure it until the bond is strong. Use a cut rubber band, winding from the bottom up, and slipping the end under the final loop. Tying the graft to a 1-inch stake will provide support when top-heavy scion growth forms. (Adequate trimming may preclude the need for staking.) Seal the union by covering the grafted area with a thin coat of water-based grafting sealant. Three years later, the graft is strong enough to support the growing scion and any fruit it bears.

-- jerry lajoie (lajoie@vei.net), March 04, 2002.