Fruit Tree Grafting, with Rikardo Jahnke

Come learn the magic of fruit tree grafting! With this versatile skill you will be able to make your own apple trees at a fraction of the cost of purchasing them, and have the tools to clone any apple tree you happen to fancy. In the class we will discuss and demonstrate whip-and-tongue and cleft grafting in detail. The basics of bridge grafting, bud grafting, and top working older trees will be covered. The care and protection of young trees, selection of root stocks, and sources of grafting scion wood will also be discussed.

Participants will need a grafting knife for this class. Rikardo orders high quality grafting knives and sells them at cost to students who need one. He does not advise students to try to sharpen and bring their own knife, unless they communicate with him first about how to properly do this (handedness matters), and what type of knife might be appropriate for this. It may be possible to loan a knife for the duration of the class - please let us know if you plan to do this so we can make sure we have enough tools available.

Each participant will have the opportunity to graft three apple trees to take home. (Additional rootstock and scion wood will be available for purchase.)

Grafting requires good grasp, arm, and elbow strength in order to make successful cuts. Students should be able to easily lift 15 pounds; please reach out to us if this is a concern.

There will be an optional tour of the instructor's orchard after the end of the class, which takes 20-30 minutes.

Details
Date: Sunday, May 5
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Ages: Adults only
Location: People's Food Co-op, 315 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI
Materials Fee: $25

Sliding Scale Course Fee Guidelines (Does not include materials fee)

Supporter Level Ticket: $65
If you are someone who finds it easy to move in the world financially – with the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs, consider paying at this level, which will support both the Folk School and its instructors, along with others in the community.

Sustainer Level Ticket: $50
If you need to budget your educational and entertainment spending – you can take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the Folk School at a modest level.

Supported Level Ticket: $35
If you struggle to fund your basic needs, or carry a burden of debt or support for others in your family or community, consider paying at this level, allowing the Folk School and our contributors to fulfill our goals toward supporting and enriching our community.