Tree grafting is an ancient technique that combines the best characteristics of different fruit trees, achieving more abundant and higher-quality production.

This method involves joining a branch or bud of a desired variety (a cutting) to a base tree (a rootstock) so that they grow as a single plant.

The process may seem complicated at first, but with the right tools and following the correct steps, any gardener can achieve successful results.

Below is a detailed guide to grafting trees using the traditional method.

Necessary materials

Before you begin the grafting process, make sure you have the following materials:

• Sharpened and disinfected gardening knife
• One-year-old shoots with 3 or 4 buds
• Plastic film, thread or electrical tape (preferably with the adhesive side facing outwards)
• Garden tar or cut sealant
• Pruning shears (optional)

Procedure

1. Preparation of the rootstock:

1. Cleaning the grafting area:
   Use a gardening knife to carefully clean the cut area. This will ensure a better fusion between the rootstock and the cutting, removing any dirt or dead tissue.
2. Making the cut:
   Make a vertical cut in the bark of the rootstock approximately 4 to 6 cm long, making sure to reach the wood.
3. Separating the bark:
   Using the back of the knife, slightly fold the bark on both sides of the cut to facilitate insertion of the cutting.

2. Preparing the cutting:

1. Shoot Selection:
   Choose a one-year-old shoot that has 3 or 4 well-developed buds.
2. Cutting the cutting:
   Make a slanted cut at the base of the cutting, approximately 4 times the diameter of the cutting . This cut will allow for a better connection between the cutting and the rootstock.
3. Sharpening the cut:
   Slightly sharpen the bottom of the cut on the opposite side to facilitate insertion and ensure better adhesion.

3. Inserting the cutting:

1. Inserting the cutting into the rootstock:
   Insert the cutting behind the bark of the rootstock, so that it protrudes 1 to 2 mm above the rootstock cut.
2. Number of cuttings:
   To ensure even healing and a better success rate, it is recommended to insert between 2 and 4 cuttings on the same branch.

4. Fixing and protection:

1. Tying the graft:
   Secure the graft site firmly using twine, plastic wrap, or electrical tape (place the sticky side outward to prevent the graft from sticking to the fixing material).
2. Graft Protection:
   Cover all cuts with garden pitch to prevent drying and protect the graft from infection and adverse weather conditions.

Additional tips

• Graft in early spring or late winter, when the tree is dormant but the sap is just beginning to move.
• Make sure tools are always clean and disinfected to prevent the transmission of diseases.
•  If the graft doesn’t take in the first few weeks, don’t get discouraged; review the process and try again.
•  Choose rootstocks compatible with the variety you want to graft to increase the chances of success.

Follow these steps and enjoy a bountiful and healthy harvest!