I've been mulling over attempting some grafting experiments and ran across this article today: https://www.resilience.org/stories/2015-04-17/a-diy-tree-grafting-handout Has anyone here tried grafting? How did it work out for you?
I can do some grafts well, and others not so well. I am going to try again next year after buying the graft cutter. I'll read that article in a little while.
Great link and article! When I was a much younger lad, I attempted branch layering one of my parents japenese maples. It was a resounding failure. Ive got renewed interest now as there seems to be a lot of good dwarfing rootstocks for the peach and cherry trees Ive been getting into. Thanks for the article.
By this you mean grafting cuts (i.e., diagonal, slotted, notched, etc) or tree types? I take it that making accurate cuts with a knife or scalpel is difficult, hence the graft cutter?
I've done some air layering for bonsai with maples ... my success depended on how consistently I was able to keep the layering medium moist over an extended period till the roots took hold. Did you try air layering or layer into the earth??
I grew up grafting cacti and eventually found techniques that worked for me. The succulent tissues make it much easier than normal plants as wilting isn't as much of an issue. Recently I started grafting some seedling persimmons and had a good success rate. Buying a good quality grafting knife and keeping it clean and sharp is the most important part. Scalpels are too weak for most hardwood trees. Always wash and dry the knife (don't oil it or it can contaminate the cuts), and learn how to sharpen it well. Grafting tape made it easy as well. I practiced on some isolated pieces first before doing the rootstocks to get a feel for the process. For deciduous trees timing is important, usually a little before bud break as the surge in sap helps healing and growth. For evergreens you need good humidity to get away with it, either wait for the weather to be suitable or use a greenhouse (or even a portable structure if the rootstock is in the ground- a plastic bag with supports can help). Trial and error though- there are many ways to make it work, and every failure gets you closer to success as long as you are observant and responsive.
