Grafting vegetables

[Primrose]

I've received an email from Sutton Seeds telling me all about their vegetable grafting experiements:

"we have undertaken extensive trials to find the best root stock and variety combination. Currently we use 5 different rootstocks as not every variety performs well with one type, so we need to find the perfect partner. There are many advantages for the home gardener - perhaps the most popular is earlier (Aubergines can be 4 or 5 weeks ahead) and increased cropping periods. Grafted veg will grow when the days are shorter and the weather is cooler, meaning they are easier to grow out of doors and in an unheated greenhouse. The stronger root system also helps the plants to make better use of the nutrients in the ground and so grow bigger and healthier, needing less feeding. Last year Suttons introduced grafted tomatoes, which proved very popular - we've had extremely positive feedback from our customers, so this year we have extended the range to include Sweet and Chilli Peppers, Cucumbers, Melons and Aubergines."

I'm curious as to whether the average home vegetable gardener would want to grow grafted vegetables, presumably bought as plug plants. Their cost must surely outweight any savings involved in growing your own. Also, is it worth it for plants which normally only last one season? I understand the need for grafting on long term plant like fruit trees and bushes but peppers, aubergines and cucumbers ?? Is the main stock root kept year after year with new growth being grafted on?

And oes anybody on here undertake this process?

[Westi]

I have seen these advertised and was particularly interested
in the melons and maybe aubergines as I have quite a lot of
failure despite being in the tropical end of England. If they
can get 4 - 5 weeks ahead I may get a good crop so I will
probably treat myself.

Westi

[realfood]

I read recently that some 60% of commercial tomatoes are grafted.