The University of Kentucky Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability is hosting a fruit tree grafting workshop at its next installment of the Mountain Monday Series Feb. 22.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. EST at the center’s auditorium in Quicksand. UK fruit and vegetable extension specialist John Strang will lead the workshop. Strang has been working with Kentucky fruit and vegetable growers for many years in his role in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. He helps growers establish new operations and advises them on some of the latest crop production practices and pest control alternatives.

Grafting is a popular topic for home fruit growers who are interested in propagating old family varieties and those who want to establish their own home fruit plantings.

Topics include reasons for pruning, reasons for grafting, grafting terms, rootstock selection, young fruit tree care and pruning apples, pears and peaches. Strang will demonstrate grafting and budding techniques and participants will get hands-on grafting opportunities.

For more information or to register, contact the Breathitt County Extension office at 606-666-8812.

The Mountain Monday Series focuses on a different topic each month. The series also streams live on the Internet at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/mountainmonday. Upcoming installments include a shitake mushroom workshop in March and a spring wildflower walk in April. For a schedule and more information about Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability programs, visit the website at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/RCARS.