Fruit School Grafting Class

Did you know that every Honeycrisp apple ultimately came from a single seed that was then cloned via grafting? In this workshop, you'll learn about the history and science of grafting, an ancient technique for cloning mother trees. We will also cover the basics of fruit tree cultivar selection, planting, and care, so that you can embark on (or continue) your journey of growing regionally adapted and relatively low-maintenance fruit (and nut) trees here in NE TN.

This workshop will involve both classroom-style learning, as well as hands-on activity. We will cover some of the practical, scientific, and technical aspects of fruit tree grafting and culture with a PowerPoint presentation, and then graft some trees using tools like buddy tape, grafting rubbers, and a grafting knife. Participants will take home 3 apple trees and a grafting knife! We should have a good collection of apple cultivars appropriate for our region to choose from when making your grafts.

This class will be at Fauna Forest Farm in Jonesborough, TN, and will be led by fruit grower and explorer Taylor Malone, who has been teaching folks how to graft since 2015. To learn more about his farm, and a fruit growing non-profit whose board he has served on for years, check out the following links: www.faunaforestfarm.org ; www.nafex.org