Bench Grafting and Scionwood Swap

The last few years Michael Dalquist has taken a real interest in fruit trees. And when you start learning about fruit trees, inevitably you see the word “graft” show up all over the place. It’s even mentioned many times in the Bible. So what is grafting, and why is it important? What does it accomplish? As Michael says, grafting is an exciting, inexpensive way to MAKE MORE FRUIT TREES!

Little Elk Organic Farm is offering two more classes related to fruit tree propagation. These classes will be done with apple trees, but the principles apply to other fruits such as pears, plums, and cherries, and Michael will explain some of the similarities and differences.

This class is where you will learn how to change one tree into another tree at the comfort of your own kitchen table. In this class you will be taught the basic grafting techniques, when to bench graft, and what to do with your new tree after it has been grafted. Like the other classes, this is mostly hands-on, and as such you will get to practice grafting yourself and take home your very own fruit trees at the end of the class! We are also having a scionwood swap at the same time, so bring some scionwood from your favorite fruit trees to swap with others.

Caution: This involves a lot of work with sharp knives. If you bring children along, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for them! We are not responsible for accidents.

What to bring: All grafting supplies needed will be provided, but if you have a handheld bypass shear or a suitable knife for grafting, please bring them along. There will be some supplies available for purchase if you wish to do more grafting on your own. This workshop is also doubling as a scion swap, so if you collected any fruit scionwood that you wish to graft or share with others, please bring that.

Fee: $20 for ages 18 and up, under 18 years are free. For each tree that you graft and wish to take home it will cost an additional $5 per tree. Limit 10 trees per family. Payment for the trees will be cash as you leave.

Registration is requested, walkups are welcome.

Address: Sprout – 609 13th Ave NE Door 9 Little Falls, MN 56345

SFA staff and volunteers occasionally take photos during our workshops, cafe chats and field days for promotional purposes and to use as documentation of events to share with our funders.  If you do not wish to be photographed, please let our event host know — we’ll make every effort to make sure you are not photographed.