The basic whip and tongue graft is usually best technique to use when the rootstocks are the same diameter as your scionwood. When the rootstocks are larger in diameter than the scionwood either bark grafts or offset splice (wedge) grafts work well. For top-working larger rootstocks and already established trees the bark graft gives excellent results. All graft unions should be wrapped with grafting tape. For small diameter grafts the elastic Buddy Tape is our favorite. For thin bark tree types such as avocado the entire scion stick is best wrapped, leaving the buds exposed. When grafting large diameter rootstocks or topworking established trees we prefer using 1/2" poly grafting tape for a stronger hold on the scion. All exposed surfaces should be painted over and sealed with a quality grafting paint or melted beeswax. Bare-root grafted rootstocks should be potted up or lined out in a nursery row before they leaf out. See our Topworking video:

Cuttings are best stuck as soon as they arrive, but can be kept refrigerated for a short period. Dormant or summer cuttings should be rooted in small containers or plug trays filled with your favorite rooting mix. We use a 50/50% mix of peatmoss and perlite for rooting all types of cuttings. We add a small amount of ground limestone for non acid loving plants, leaving it as is for those who like a distinctly acid soil such as blueberries. The cuttings mix should be completely moistened with water before using as peatmoss can be hard to hydrate in a pot. The base of each cuttings piece should be trimmed close to the bottom node of the cuttings stem. The top bud should have an extra inch or so of wood extending beyond it to keep the bud from drying out. Normally cuttings are done with at least 2 buds, the bottom for sending out roots, and the top for growing the vegetative shoot. We prefer rooting cuttings that are at least 3 to 4" long, so they might have more buds than 2 with varieties that have closely spaced buds. In either case push the cutting deep into your rooting medium to where only the top bud is above the surface. Though many types of cuttings root easily on their own, many need an extra nudge to be successful and most all will root faster and in higher percentages if dipped in a rooting hormone solution. We generally dip the bottom cut surface of the cutting in a DIP"N"GROW solution as specified on the label for consistent success. A willow tea solution can also be used for this purpose, but effectiveness is still being researched. Since most cuttings will grow out leaves before they grow roots they should be placed in an environment where the new top growth will be kept humid enough to not dry out until the roots emerge. A greenhouse with shade cloth is excellent for many plants, though an outside space with either shade cloth or part shade from deciduous trees can work fine for hardier plants. When weather gets warmer and dry be sure to water the top growth regularly. We usually turn on our 4 times a day battery timers for short sprinklings once the season gets warm and dry. When it is cold in early spring only water by hand when necessary as cuttings can rot if kept overly wet. Once they have sprouted roots they can be gently fertilized to spur good growth. Pot up into larger containers filled with quality potting soil once they have a solid well established root system. Check out our Rooting Cuttings video:

Plant in regular good organic potting soil, being sure to not bury the crown deeper than it was before. If the crown has multiple shoots it may be possible to further divide it to make extra starts. However the smaller the division the weaker the individual start, so use your own discretion.

Plant in a pot larger than what they came out of, generally at least 6" deep using a well balanced organic potting soil. Depending on the size of the start they can sometimes be planted directly out into your garden if the soil is fertile nd free of wees. It will be important to water them regularly after planting as these baby plants can dry out quickly. Use a non-burning organic fertilizer to encourage strong growth through the growing season. Also be sure to stake your new plants so they don't get lost or trampled. Starter plugs are the quickest way to get your desired nursery varieties on their way to being ready to plant out in the field or garden.