Blueberry to Sparkleberry Grafting

[Amanda]

Hi Everyone,
Last year we talked a bit about trying to graft blueberries onto some established sparkleberry bushes, which I cut back to produce (hopefully) the right sized suckers for grafting onto.  Barking Frog reported success with this method (sparkleberry bushes are native, abundant, and maintenance-free, at least here at home).    Brandy said that January/ February would be the time to try grafting, but Spring's jumpstart (or the complete lack of Winter) has us all hurrying up with our combined Winter and Spring chores.

Is anyone interested in coming here to give this a try in the next few weeks?  If it's too hectic this year, I might try to "wing it," and cut back some more sparkleberry bushes for another try next year.  I have MWF mornings from 9:30-12:30, T TH until 2:00, and weekends. 

Also in the works:  our hugelbet is finally about to be a living experiment (rather than just a pit filled and heaped with rotten wood.  We covered it with green brush, then chicken manure hay, and top soil, and are planting cover into it for the next couple of seasons).  One volunteer winged sumac did not wait for us to build the bed, and we will let it stay for awhile or longer.  Also a chicken tractor, partially built for a year, ought to be ready for a march meat chickens and moving around the frontier borders.  Project ligustrum will see the felling and utilization of  invasive ligustrum japonicum for structures like fences, worm bins, play structures, trellises).  The trampoline-to-grape-arbor is complete and will be planted soon.

Love,
Amanda

[Anna Lee]

Wow!  Amanda!  You have been boogieing!!!!   I remember your plan for the grape arbor/trampoline and the hugelbed and now it is maturing and becoming real! 

 

I have not forgotten your offer to have me come and dig out some sparkleberry and I would still like to do that. 

 

I did take Brandy's grafting class last year, but I am rusty.  I could dig out my materials on that and come try to not butcher your efforts. 

 

My best day would be Monday morning, though I am waiting for some feedback on a group of permaculture students coming out to prepare LuLuLand for a class on the 9th.  Likely that will not happen Monday morning, however.

 

You are right about the crazy weather and trying to figure out when to do things.  I think we are all going to have to just act as if it is both Spring and also late winter and cross our fingers.  Keep planting and expect some will make it. 

 

I have been longing to come out to your place again and see your progress.  This would be a great opportunity.  I will need directions, however, cuz I don't remember specifics. 

 

Hope to see you next week!

 

Anna Lee

 

 

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[Amanda]

Anna Lee, you are amazing and good for the Soul!  Monday works for me if it lines up with your schedule.  Of course we will dig some sparkleberries for you.  There are a couple of other blueberry relatives here and there to explore...   Brandy, I know you were interested in this sparkleberry grafting, too -- it will take a miracle to see you this time of year, but if you can't come, I'll give it my best go and keep you posted :).  

[Just Fruits]

 

Amanda, this weeks crazy and I'll be on the road Monday, so will miss the fun. My suggestions are to graft all the right size shoots on the bush and cut all the other off. When they begin pushing new growth keep all the suckers plucked off so the plants energy goes into the grafts. I'll try to make it out for a visit soon.
 
Really enjoy hearing about all the projects and progress. Love the putting the ligustrum it good use. twig art it so cool.
 

 
Brandy
 

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Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:05:49 -0800
From: rudd...@gmail.com
To: apalachee-perma...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: Blueberry to Sparkleberry Grafting

[Anna Lee]

Monday is still good in the morning.  Can you give me directions again?  Too bad Brandy cannot come.  She gave good advice, however!  Love that girl!

 

A

----- Original Message -----

From: Amanda

To: apalachee-perma...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2013 4:05 PM

Subject: Re: Blueberry to Sparkleberry Grafting

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[Amanda]

Agreed!  Brandy, we'll miss you and I'm looking forward to coming down to JF to visit soon. Thanks so much for the tips on the grafting -- fingers crossed!

Anyone who is interested in trying this out with us, please feel free to come, between 9:30 and 12:30.

Anna Lee, I'll be so glad to see you, and am excited about this project!  5028 Nelly Lane:  from I10 exit on N. Monroe heading North towards Havana.  Right on Old Bainbridge Road (first light past Lake Jackson).  Drive until you see the 35mph speed limit sign and turn Left onto Nelly Lane at the curve.  Continue down Nelly Lane and around the bend.  5028 is on the right w/ tire swings on the oak next to the drive. 

On Tuesday, January 29, 2013 6:27:23 PM UTC-5, Amanda wrote:

[Anna Lee]

Thanks for the directions, Amanda!  I look forward to seeing you and your beautiful homestead again!

 

Anna Lee

----- Original Message -----

From: Amanda

To: apalachee-perma...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2013 4:05 PM

Subject: Re: Blueberry to Sparkleberry Grafting

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[Amanda]

Hi All,

The grafted blueberries are budding and leafing out!   Will keep you posted -- hopefully they'll continue to "stick" to those sparkleberry rootstocks.  Blueberries with no irrigation/fertilization would be wonderful! 

On Tuesday, January 29, 2013 6:27:23 PM UTC-5, Amanda wrote:

[Anna Lee]

Are they in your hugelkulture bed?

 

Glad to hear of your success!

 

Anna

----- Original Message -----

From: Amanda

To: apalachee-perma...@googlegroups.com

Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 5:04 PM

Subject: Re: Blueberry to Sparkleberry Grafting

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