Side Grafting

As stated earlier, this is the easiest technique for many. For a rooted cutting in a tube, it is necessary to pull upwards with the left hand while applying downward pressure with the cutting blade at the right angle. Otherwise the pressure will break the roots off.

• Make sure the angle stays constant with only a firm pressure
• Use a rocking forward-back motion, not a hard shove
• Try not to "scoop" - no curved cuts!
• Try to cut the scion with a "flat" cut without scooping
• Practice on scrap prunings for you will need lots of practice
• Unrooted cuttings from pencil to finger thickness will do
• Remember, tough tape can pull "soft" wood in to close gaps!!!

Here is a picture sequence which may help give the idea.

Practise the angle	Now apply pressure	Rock forward	Then back
Forward again	Back again.	Test the cut depth	Insert the scion
Down she goes!	The fit's OK.	It's a wrap!!