North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Ginda Fisher <list@ginda.us>]

On Dec 22, 2013, at 11:10 PM, Jwlehman@aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 12/21/2013 1:38:42 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
> c.s.carnevale@gmail.com writes:
> 
>> I'm thinking of grafting hachiya persimmon onto a mature fuyu tree for 
>> my sister while visiting her for Christmas, so spring/summer grafting is 
>> not an option. Is winter grafting in a mild climate (San Francisco, CA 
>> area, about 2 months until spring) ok to do or would it be a waste of 
>> time? I would likely do a bark graft and can make 4 - 6 grafts around 
>> the tree to boost the likelihood of taking. Any thoughts and opinions 
>> are appreciated. Thanks.
>> 
>> Chris Carnevale
>> 
> 
> Dear Chris,
> 
> I've been waiting to see if anyone else answers, but none have so I'll take 
> a stab at it.
> 
> The problem with grafting very early is keeping the scion and graft area 
> from drying out. If you can keep them from dehydrating it may work. 
> ...

Didn't the Romans protect their grafts with a cow patty?  I don't know if 
that's something you have available, but it strikes me as a method of 
wrapping a graft that might keep it moist for a long period. You'd presumably 
have to affix the graft with twine or tape to hold it in place, too, 
underneath the manure.