• Grafting is a horticultural procedure in which parts from different plants are bound together into a single unit which continues to grow as an individual plant. Grafting is done by taking a couple year old plant branch known as scion and binding or grafting it to another plant often of the same species referred to as stock. The stock forms the lower trunk or roots while the scion forms the crown. Grafting is a frequently used technique to produce plants of different varieties.
  
  

Cleft Graft

• Cleft graft is the most popular type of grafting given its simplicity and ease. It is most often used in the fruit and flowering trees in order to produce different varieties. Cleft grafts are done during the winter and spring when both the rootstock and scion are in the dormant state. The rootstock should be between 1 to 4 inches in diameter and 6 to 8 inches in height and the scion should be between ¼ inch in diameter and about 3 to 4 inches long. Saw the rootstock in a smooth cut and create a cleft or split of 2 to 3 inches down the centre. Use the pick end of the clefting tool wedge to keep cut open. Use two scions for the graft and make two opposing, tapered cut towards the basal end of the scion. Insert both scions on each end of rootstock and then remove the clefting tool and seal all cut areas with grafting wax or grafting paint to repel moisture and to prevent drying.
  
  

Bark Graft

• Bark graft is most often used on flowering and fruit trees and contrary to cleft grafts this can be used on larger diameter rootstocks of 4 to 12 inches. It starts by sawing off top portion of rootstock with a sharp saw. Multiple scions are used in the bark graft in which the base of each scion is cut 1 ½ to 2 inch tapering wedge on only one side. Loosening the bark slightly insert scions into the bark at regular intervals with the tapered surface against the wood of the rootstock. Push scions in firmly, cover with bark flap, and nail the scions in place with one or two wire brads inserted through the bark and scion and into the rootstock. Seal all cut areas with grafting paint or grafting wax.
  
  

Side Veneer Graft

• Side veneer graft is mostly used on difficult to root rhododendrons and camellias. It is also frequently used on conifers. The rootstock for the side veneer graft is grown in pots and allowed to go into the dormant state. Make a shallow downward cut of about ¾ to 1 inch at the stem base to reveal bark with some wood on it. Making an inward cut remove the flap carefully. On a scion of the same diameter or slight smaller make a ¾ to 1 inch long sloping cut. Place cut scion surface against the exposed wood of rootstock and bind together using tape, grafting twine, or rubber grafting strips. Seal with grafting paint or grafting wax.