I am a complete and utter newbie, both when it comes to trees and gardening in general. but there's a wonderful apple tree near my house, absolutely full of crisp delicious apples despite it being on abandoned/overgrown property, and i really want to graft it on to some rootstock to steal it for myself. i figure the only way to eventually be good at something is to start out bad at it, and trees are such a long-term project that i can afford to mess up a few times. (and rootstock is fairly cheap and the tree is just...right there, so every time i mess up i can get more scions free)
i've done lots and lots of research on how to choose a rootstock (im thinking G214), and potting soil, and pruning and spacing and all that stuff, and i've found many, many guides on how to do the actual grafting and how to raise a small tree, but i can't find anything on how to care for the tree between those two steps. when it's just a tiny grafted branch on some roots trying to turn into a tree.
any and all tips would be appreciated, i am disabled and stay home all day so i have all the time in the world to dedicate to this project. like, how much do i water it? and i currently have several different sizes of felt pots, is it best to start it in a small pot and repot it frequently, or start it in a large pot? the space i want to plant in is currently covered in gravel from a previous owner's failed attempt at a driveway, and i'm going to relandscape it sometime this coming year, is it okay to keep the tree in a pot until then? or better to just wait to start the next year? (also i keep saying "it" but i AM planning on attempting 2 or 3 at a time to see if one takes)
I am thinking the sooner you start... the sooner you start.
Most folks, about now in the season, ( where in the landmass are you anyway?) would be thinking about Bud Grafting techniques. I am generally more experienced and successful grafting scions. I have been relatively successful with some later season pome scion grafting, and particularly on some top working. I figured, if it took, it'd be that much further along, come spring; was how I came to it. But that may be a bit advanced without a lot of observational experience. Bud grafting manifests differently. There's plenty of material to follow up on if you're looking. Steer yourself to .edu and Agricultural Extension Agency websites. Oregon State for one has had some really good handouts on grafting techniques for decades. Online too I'd posit. Practice a lot, on materials that are similar to those you'll be using before you commit your materials to the actual tries.
The potting: to something you will be likely to maintain and maybe move around as necessary. Protect from cats and crows, dogs and squirrels. Shelter from the swelter. Water as needed to keep the roots moist enough to develop and grow; not too fussy generally.You don't want them to dry out completely. Some roots don't do well in heavy clay soil, some do fine there. Your G214 descriptions should indicate what to expect of the tendencies.
Good luck, welcome to the forum and happy grafting.
Idyllwild
simplepress
jafar
Marsha H
Viron
1 Guest(s)