I have three questions which may be obvious to the old guard out there. I have heard opinions and have my own thoughts, but would really like some expert (yes, that means you all) advice.
1. What medium (soil media) do folks use to put larger quantities of grafted trees into just after grafting? I have heard numerous suggestions, looking for the "best." I don't want to put into individual buckets, as I am grafting about 250 trees all told.
2. What do folks think about heating (mildly, from the bottom up) the container the grafted trees are in for the first few weeks post-grafting? Of course, maintaining moisture is critical (aka don't let the suckers dry out). If not heated, then optimal temps for best healing?
3. rodent control -- obviously individual trunk guards on each young tree is obvious, but they are also time consuming and expensive. Is there something more efficient and/or effective, but that keeps the trees from getting devoured esp during winter.
I plan on grafting the week of Mar 16, letting them heal for a couple weeks (w or w/o heat TBD) in a TBD media. After which they will continue to recoup until the ground is ready for them to be planted in a small nursery situation. Any other cogent thoughts people have would be wunnerful.
Thanks for ya'lls help.
Mike
Mike Biltonen, Know Your RootsZone 5b in New York