I know we are a ways from winter but I’m super interested in grafting some additional varieties on the apple/peach trees that I have.
I’ve heard of something called scion exchanges?
How do they typically work? Are they in person? I’ve seen some online. Any recommendations?
Do you send what you have to some wood bank and then get access to the wood bank? Or you find someone with a variety you would like and see if they are interested in exchange through mail/in person?
On the site there is a trading post (left side categories section). People post there what they want and what they have. Others then respond to make a trade. Most trades are by mail since everyone is spread around the country. Usually most people start trading scion late December to whatever month is late for their area.
Lots of times people just post their interests and offer to buy, trade, pay for shipping, or whatever. I’ve given away a few scions over the years and I’m positive that I’ve been given way more than I’ve received -thank you all very much!
So just ask and offer, dicker when called for, and see what happens. Good luck.
In-person scion exchanges typically take place coincident with grafting seminars where self-appointed experts train novices. The one I attend in spring at Oshkosh, WI, features experts (not me) who actually have credentials, and they demonstrate grafting for you. You pay admission, which entitles you to the root stock. You then have access to your choice of scionwood provided by experts, other attendees, and the general public. You don’t have to bring any, but people do bring scionwood of all kinds and degrees of quality to the exchange to promote fruit culture. It’s kind of a show-and-tell.
If you are in Delaware, and not too far journey is to go to Lancaster PA, for our winter scion exchange. There’s a lot of apples especially, maybe 150 to 200+. It cost $15 to join for 2 years. byfg.org
The CRFG ones we have in California are in person meet-ups that are organized by each chapter. You bring in some scions and are free to take whatever other people bring in as well. The one I go to does not require membership or for you to bring scions to attend.
On this site, people will post what they have and what they are looking for and you can just trade or whatnot.
No, I’m in Northern VA. about 45 min. west from DC. Lancaster is a little over 2 hours. If that were a little closer I would love to check it out. In truth at my orchard stage the stuff I’m looking for are oddball that mostly only GF members will have.
I got some scions here from another user after I posted mentioning I had a some tree (also my profile lists what I have) and we traded some scions with each other, we each got pretty good takes. Some people post in the trading post as well.
There is also a facebook page - north american scion exchange and there is a user there that has a hobby farm and he has hundreds of scions that he sells for 6 a stick, all good quality. Ive gotten quite a few from him. I believe people also trade on that facebook page.
I was originally not into grafting because the book “Grow a little fruit tree” discourages it and recommends planting multiple trees in one hole. I actually think grafting is a much better way to get different varieties. And pretty easy to learn