For ten years fruit grafting classes have been provided to residents in the tri-state area of Northern Kentucky, Cinn. Ohio and Indiana. As of this date 736 people have learned the techniques and plant physiology behind the science of the propagation method of plant grafting. Every year since initiating these classes we have seen an increase in the numbers of attendees. We are the only Extension service or organization providing this type of training in our area.The 2018 sessions saw an increase of participants by 40 percent. 

Learning the technique and why the plant responds positively wasn't what we were looking for in 2018 evaluations. Finding out how many grafts were successful resulting in new plants and or disease resistant fruit trees was what mattered. 

Utilizing a new grafting tool and offering more classes with fewer numbers per class resulted in a 70% success rate of grafts.

Included in this years attendees were 18 Master gardeners and a Biology class from the University of Cinn. Special classes were held for 3 individuals intending to commercially grow tree fruit. The savings to these individuals would be as much as $15.00 per tree. On an acre planting this would be a savings of $3000.00.

One grower is establishing a one acre of grafted paw paws. He is getting some scion wood from Kentucky State University Paw Paw repository.