Hello, this is my first post here. I recently retired and have more time to devote to my yard and garden. There is an small orchard on the farm we bought, apples, peaches, pears, plums, and an apricot, but it is old and starting to die out. I would like to keep some of these unknown variety's we like going. I bought and have read the Hartmann & Kester book, Plant Propagation Principles and Practices. l am interested in trying to learn to graft, to increase my orchard size. Any hints, or tips, for example which rootstocks work best with each species or varieties. My book is old and I assume there are better or different rootstocks than are mentioned. Is there a source of small amounts of rootstocks? I have looked on the internet but haven't been able to locate any rootstock supplier. Would also like information for the best places to purchase equipment and supplies. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Grafting info:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/distributi ... 0532c.html

http://www.ext.nodak.edu/county/cass/ho ... /graft.htm

Rootstock info:

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles01 ... _trees.asp

http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ho/ho82/ho82.htm {Kentucky Fruit Trees}

"a source of small amounts of rootstocks":

http://www.raintreenursery.com/catalog/ ... ttype=ROOT

http://www.onegreenworld.com//index.php?cPath=3

Welcome; I've posted some Internet links above, I hope they help. The last two are Nurseries I've bought from many times, and they sell small quantities of rootstock. One of the rootstock links above (I believe) is in England; and I thought the other might be more suitable for you - it's in Kentucky. I don't know how difficult it might be to locate any site-specific rootstock? ... but some basic info's probably all you need.

I've noted this elsewhere... but do remember: if you've poor soil, your trees won't grow very "big" anyway. If, like me, you have poor soil, and buy too dwarfing a rootstock - you'll have trees smaller than generally described.

My suggestion with regard to your grafting is be sure to procure your wood NOW - if you haven't already! Storing Scion Wood is one of the most important aspects of 'grafting.' Snoop around for suggested methods for storage ... but again, make sure you get it done sooner than later.

Other than that, please keep us posted!