Would you like to learn how to graft your own apple trees? Maybe you have tried your hand at tree grafting before but did not have success, or perhaps you have a favorite type of apple you would like to have in your own yard or a variety you would like to duplicate. Whatever your reason for wanting to graft trees, instructor Keith Esselink of Leota, Minnesota will be sure to answer any questions you may have at the upcoming hands-on tree grafting workshops to be held in Pipestone on Monday, April 8, 2024. Keith has extensive experience and success grafting apple trees in his own orchard as well as for other people, and is willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others in this hands-on workshop.
Attendees will receive the necessary supplies and tools needed to graft up to two apple trees of pre-selected varieties. Everyone will receive pot(s), potting soil, scion wood, and rootstock from 2023, and grafting knives will be supplied for the workshop. Rootstock is the part of the apple tree that will be grafted. The rootstock will be a semi dwarf, which is about half the height of a standard tree. “Standard height” is that of the old time, or traditional, apple trees. Scion wood is the part of the apple tree that grew last year in 2023. This is the part that will be grafted onto the rootstock.
Attendees will have one of two workshop options to choose from, and class size will be limited to a maximum of ten spots each. Both workshops will be held at the Pipestone County Extension office, located at 1016 8th Ave SW, Pipestone, MN 56164.
The two workshop times are:
•Monday, April 8, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
•Monday, April 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Cost to attend a workshop:
•$35.00 – includes all necessary supplies to graft one tree
•$5.00 – additional cost to graft a second tree Attendees can select from the following apple varieties: Ambrosia, Haralson, Hawaii, Hidden Rose, Honey Crisp, Pink Pearmain, Sweet Sixteen, and Winter Sweet Paradise. Visit the University of Minnesota website https://extension. umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples or search online to learn more about these varieties to help make your selection.
Register online at: z.umn.ed u/2024Pipestoneapplegrafting Deadline to register for this workshop is Friday, February 23 to ensure adequate time to order scion wood. IMPORTANT: Your spot is not reserved until the Pipestone Extension office receives your payment in full! Supplies will not be ordered until registrants have mailed or dropped off payment.
Attendees can either mail the registration fee, or drop it off at the Pipestone County Extension Office at 1016 8th Ave SW, P.O. Box 307, Pipestone, MN 56164. Please make checks payable to “University of Minnesota”. For any questions or help with registration, please email Melissa Runck at mkrunck@ umn.edu or call 507-- 825-1193.
