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.

Date: Sunday, April 13
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Ages: Adults only
Materials Fees: $25
Location: Rural Gays Mills, WI

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

Supporter Level Ticket: $70
If you move through the world with financial ease and the means to fulfill many of your wants as well as your needs – you are able to eat out when you want, abundantly meet your needs through employment or can comfortably not work, have access to family wealth, own property, etc. – consider paying at this level, which will help us ensure the long term sustainability of our programs while keeping our offerings accessible to those with access to fewer resources.

Sustainer Level Ticket: $55
If you are able to meet your needs with relative ease while budgeting your educational and entertainment spending – for instance, you are able to take classes and eat out occasionally as long as you are mindful – consider paying at this level, which will help sustain the work of the Folk School at a modest level.

Supported Level Ticket: $40
If you struggle to fund your basic needs and have limited access to resources in your family and community, or if you would not be able to access this offering without a discounted payment option, consider paying at this level. We value your presence and contributions to our community and do not want any economic circumstances to be a barrier to attendance!