one-day course fruit tree grafting

venue: Brighton Permaculture Trust, Brighton

Learn how to graft fruit trees using the technique of 'chip budding'. The course teaches practical skills in the propagation of fruit trees such as apple, pear, plum and cherry. We will discuss the commercial production of fruit trees and how fruit trees can be propagated on a smaller scale in the garden. Experience will be gained in the use of a grafting knife, concentrating on the technique of 'chip budding' to graft an apple variety onto a rootstock. This type of grafting is carried out between late July and the end of August; participants are encouraged to put aside some time to practice after the course.

Background information will be provided on the selection and purchase of rootstocks, collection of propagating material and growing on of trees. Details will also be given about the availability of all the materials used during the day. The techniques learned can also be applied to a wide variety of ornamental trees including cultivars of Crab Apple, Flowering Cherry, Mountain Ash, Whitebeam, Ash and Maple.

The course will also cover the maintenance and sharpening of grafting knives. We will be using very sharp knives which should be handled with great care. A first aider will be available to administer plasters should the need arise.

Tuition will by provided by Peter May who has worked in commercial horticulture, and with community fruit growing projects. Stephan Gehrels will be assisting Peter. Stefan works on schools environmental projects in Brighton and has some experience of chip budding.

No prior knowledge of grafting is needed. The techniques taught are not strenuous - however, much of the work is done bending over or crouched down. You must be willing to spend most of the day outdoors. However if there is heavy rain we will be able to practice grafting under cover.

The course will start with a discussion on the techniques used in grafting fruit trees. However, the majority of the course will be devoted to gaining practical experience with guidance from the tutor. There will be plenty of material to practice and gain confidence with, before having the opportunity to make several grafts onto apple rootstocks. By the end of the course, participants will have the practical skills necessary to propagate fruit trees and a variety of ornamental trees. Information sheets will be provided on the day.

We would recommend that everyone who attends the grafting course has their own specialist grafting knife. We have a limited number of knives that can be used on the day, but it is always preferable to bring your own. The best quality grafting knives are made by TINA of Germany. The blades are made from a high-quality steel which can be sharpened to a good edge. TINA chip budding knives can be ordered here or on 0800 7832202 - models 640/10 & 650E/10.5 are both recommended. Victorinox also make a practical chip budding knife. These are cheaper but are not such high quality. To order, see above. A good quality, fine whetstone is also essential for knife sharpening and these can be obtained here - ref SUFN3517.

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