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Field Day March 2024

Apple Tree Grafting Workshop: Cultivating Resilience and Diversity

Tuesday, March 19th, 5pm-8pm
Apple Tree Grafting
Our community gathered for a hands-on workshop about apple tree grafting at Scratch Brewery!

Led by Blayne Harris of One Circle-Eco Farm and Aaron Kleidon of Scratch Brewery, this workshop empowered orchardists, backyard gardeners, and apple enthusiasts by focusing on the propagation of apple trees. Participants gained hands-on experience with grafting techniques, which provided access to bio-regionally adapted apple genetics. This workshop's mission was to enhance the biodiversity and resilience of apple orchards in our communities.

The event included a discussion on the history and benefits of grafting. Demonstrations covered several types of grafts, with a primary focus on the whip and tongue technique. We also discussed how to cut scion wood, grow your own rootstock, and graft other types of fruit trees, equipping attendees with the skills to successfully propagate apple trees.

Workshop Objectives

This workshop was designed to help our community:

  • Master Grafting Techniques: Participants gained hands-on experience with various grafting techniques to successfully propagate apple trees.

  • Promote Apple Diversity: By focusing on a wide array of apple varieties, we encouraged the cultivation of both traditional and rare apple types.

  • Build Community and Resilience: The workshop fostered a sense of community by teaching participants how to propagate and share apple tree grafts, which helps to preserve diverse apple varieties and build resilient local food systems.

Food Works is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a sustainable food economy in Southern Illinois.
(618) 370-3287info@fwsoil.org
Food Works
PO Box 3855
Carbondale, IL 62901
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