Grafting fruit trees workshop is Feb. 3

Come learn how to graft fruit trees during a workshop taught by Walter Thoma, a noted local orchardist and expert on grafting and other forms of plant propagation.

This hands-on event takes place in his garden orchard east of Porterville and is sponsored by the Sequoia Chapter of California Rare Fruit Growers. It will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 31497 Success Valley Dr., rain or shine.

Grafting is a method of adding new varieties of fruit to a tree, with a goal of improving fruit flavor and extending the harvest season. Thoma will show how to make proper cuts and use tape to attach scion to rootstock, Thoma has been growing both rare and common trees for 18 years at his 5 acre private orchard. His work with fruit from around the world was featured in “Fruit Grower” magazine. Thoma will be assisted by another orchard practices expert, Richard Smith.

There is no charge to attend the workshop, a $5 fee is charged for individuals who want to take home a rootstock. The plum and peach rootstock has been donated by L.E. Cooke wholesale nursery of Visalia, and can accept peach, plum, nectarine or apricot. All scion sticks are free whether used that day or taken home to graft onto your newly-acquired rootstock, or mature trees already in your landscape. Also free are easily-rooted cuttings of fig, berry, pomegranate and grape.

Participants should bring labeling materials (masking tape and Sharpie pen) and a plastic bag to hold plant materials for the trip home. Dress in layers to account for weather. If it rains, the demonstration will be in a sheltered greenhouse.

Sequoia Chapter of California Rare Fruit Growers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing information on the care and propagation of fruit trees in Tulare, Kings and Fresno counties. For more information, call Thoma at 783-0508.