Bench Grafting (Learn to Graft Fruit Tree Scionwood Onto Rootstock)

*In the event of snow or other severe weather, this workshop will be held on April 19 at 10 am. Registration is full for this workshop. Email events@mofga.org to be added to the waitlist. Learn how to reproduce your favorite apple tree varieties through bench grafting — the practice of grafting fruit tree scionwood onto rootstock — in this beginner-level workshop. Bench grafting is a cost-effective way to create (graft) new small trees for planting. Participants will learn why and when to bench graft fruit trees, as well as several different types of graft. After the introduction and demonstrations, participants will get to graft their own trees to take home! There will be lots of time for practice and to ask questions. This class will be taught by C.J. Walke, MOFGA’s Orchard Manager. MOFGA will provide participants with rootstock and scionwood, along with a grafting knife to bring home, parafilm tape for securing your grafts and a grafting compound to use where a seal is needed. Scionwood is harvested from the MOFGA orchards or from other orchards around Maine. The workshop will be held indoors in a wheelchair accessible space, with access to restrooms and potable water. Please reach out with any questions about site accessibility. This year, we are happy to announce that we are able to offer classes in our Organic Orcharding Workshop Series for free, thanks to the Transition to Organic Partnership Program. Questions? Email events@mofga.org.