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John,
In researching
gooseberries I found that UK nurseries often sell grafted
gooseberries to save space in tiny
English gardens.
In doing grafts, I find that two
kinds work best for me. With a bark graft I don't even have to think
about matching scions, and get a very high % of takes. It
takes dormant small scions in the refrigerator and larger actively growing
rootstocks in the ground. I make a long tail on the scion and slit the bark
on the stock, which needs to be slipping. Second best for me is a simple
splice graft. I used to make long cuts, thinking the more contact I could
get the better. But they seem to do pretty well with a shallower angle
too. I have pretty well given up on the backcut to make the "tongue" that
is so popular in illustrations, as it's a great way to slice yourself
severely. I got to see some professionals in action, and they had their
fingers wrapped in layers of masking tape to prevent accidents.
I used to have terrible results
grafting, till T.O. Warren's wonderful article on the subject appeared in Pomona
years ago. He said that a good sharp knife, healthy scions and vigorous
rootstocks were all you really needed to ensure good results. I have found
this to be the case. Keep in mind that a dry season can cause failures
that you may blame on yourself. Water rootstocks the week before if you
are concerned. Good luck! Donna
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