2024 Fruit School Grafting Class

Presented by the Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council, facilitated by Taylor Malone of Fauna Forest Farm, and sponsored by funding from a USDA and TN Dept. of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant, this workshop will equip farmers and fruit tree enthusiasts with the tools and knowledge they need to graft and grow apple trees.

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.