The Manual of Plant Grafting by Peter T. MacDonald

The Manual of Plant Grafting by Peter MacDonald 

This book came out in 2014, and the subtitle is Practical Techniques for Ornamentals, Vegetables, and Fruit.

Ah, the art of grafting! For the discerning gardener, it's not merely a technique; it's a passion, a botanical affair that requires a delicate touch and a keen eye for beauty. Peter T. MacDonald’s The Manual of Plant Grafting is a delightful guide for those who wish to elevate their horticultural pursuits.

This is such a handy book to keep in your garden tote or potting bench. As Peter points out, grafting is simply the process of uniting one plant with another so that they become a single plant. If you have been gardening for a while, it's only natural to grow more curious about grafting as you grow your garden. 

Peter's book is an excellent grafting resource, and he's quick to remind us that,

There is no single correct way to graft a plant. There are, however, different ways of successfully grafting. These are not necessarily preferred or better-just different. Therefore, it is not possible to provide one technique for the grafting of each species, there are simply too many options available.

Imagine the thrill of creating a weeping willow from a sturdy, upright sapling or the satisfaction of cultivating a disease-resistant tomato plant that yields a bountiful harvest. Grafting offers endless possibilities for the adventurous gardener, and Peter's book provides the essential tools and knowledge to embark on this exciting journey.

With clarity and enthusiasm that befits a seasoned horticulturist, Peter guides us through the intricacies of graft union formation, bench grafting techniques, and field grafting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious amateur, his step-by-step instructions make even the most complex grafting procedures accessible.

Peter wrote,

One of the main aims of this book is to discuss in detail the principle techniques being used by growers. I have been fortunate to go on study tours to the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, and Australia. ...For the majority of the information on practical grafting, however, I have had the assistance of many propagators working on nurseries in England that specialize in grafting. Their location in England should be borne in mind when considering the timings and specific details of the grafting techniques, especially the aftercare. 

The other principle source of information...has been The Journal of The Combined Proceedings of the International Plant Propagators' Society. Any professional horticulturist involved in producing plants should be a member of this society. The journal goes back over
50 years and holds a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of propagating and growing plants. More importantly, with the motto "Seek and Share,' its members freely exchange knowledge, making it a very friendly and supportive society with which to get involved.

If you are new to grafting, I hope this book will give you the confidence to have a go. If you already graft, I hope you will find a few pointers to help you improve your success rate or quality of final plant. If you just have an interest in gardening, - hope you will be inspired to find out more about some of the characters who have contributed to the development of grafting over the years.

One of the book's most endearing features is its A-to-Z appendix of plants, which offers tailored advice for various species. From the delicate orchid to the hardy oak, Peter provides specific guidance on the appropriate graft type, timing, rootstock selection, and environmental conditions. It's as if he's offering a personalized consultation for each plant, ensuring that your grafting endeavors are successful and rewarding.

Here's an example of Peter's straightforward tone. He wrote,

BETWEEN THREE AND FIVE THOUSAND years ago, a farmer took a shoot (or scion) from a plant and attached it to another plant (or rootstock) growing nearby in such a way that they formed a union and the shoot began to grow. The first graft had been successfully carried out.

To achieve this, however, the two plants had to be related closely enough to be compatible and form at least a temporary union. A cut would need to have been made on both plants and put together so that vascular cambium cells were close enough to form a connection across the callus bridge. The callus bridge would only form if the two plants were held together and prevented from drying out. The vascular cambium would only form if the tie were tight enough to apply some pressure to the cuts. Finally, the entire pro- cess would only be successful if done at the right time of year when cells were actively dividing in the rootstock and the scion buds were dormant.

How many times might this have been tried before a successful union was achieved? 

How often would someone persevere in trying to achieve a union if the first attempt was unsuccessful?  

Chapters in Peter's book include one on the History of Grafting. 

Other chapters focus on the Uses of Grafting, Formation of Graft Union, Production of Rootstock and Scion Material, and Bench Grafting. The chapter on bench grafting is divided into cold and hot callus grafting, which is used depending on the time of year and whether artificial heat is applied to the graft. 

Peter also has a chapter on Field Grafting, which is the other primary method of grafting used by growers. Peter also covers Vegetable Grafting - something that may appeal if you are interested in grafting tomatoes and other vegetable salad crops. Vegetable grafting is something that the Japanese have popularized.

And Peter also talks about another specialty area in a chapter on Grafting Cactus.

After forecasting the Future of Grafting, Peter shares some other helpful resources, including three charts of woody plants, both ornamental and fruit, that can be grafted. Other charts suggest grafting options for various plants and suitable rootstocks.

So, dear gardener, if you're ready to delve into the fascinating world of grafting, The Manual of Plant Grafting is an indispensable companion. It's a book that will inspire you to experiment, create, and nurture your garden with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of plant life.

This book is 232 pages on how to grow your grafting skills to improve the performance of your ornamental and productive plants - what a great skill to have!

You can get a copy of The Manual of Plant Grafting by Peter MacDonald and support the show using the Amazon link in today's show notes for around $ 18.