BEEBE – The semi-annual pecan grafting workshop, which is offered every other year by the White County Cooperative Extension Service, has been rescheduled for at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 14.
The workshop will take place at the home of William Johnson at Beebe. Sherri Sanders, White County agricultural agent, said the workshop was changed to accommodate the needs of the cooperating landowner.
The workshop costs $10 to attend, which can be paid by cash or check April 14. Attendees should bring a sharp knife and a lawn chair. Grafting wood and tape will be provided.
Sanders said that after a period of instruction, attendees will be put in groups of two or three to use pre-cut pieces of graftwood (known as scions) to collect from several pecan cultivars appropriate for the Arkansas climate.
“Hands-on learning is always best,” Sanders said.
The cuttings can be transferred from the grafting wood to other pecan or hickory trees, allowing participants to grow new varieties of pecans on their own trees. Sanders said the workshop is open to anyone in the state and that facilitators will help attendees select the best pecan for their respective areas.
Registration by phone or email is required by March 30. Details: Sherri Sanders, ssanders@uaex.edu or 501-268-5394.