Planting Video

by Big Green Art

Harvesting

Flying Squirrel In A Basket

Storage

Keep your cuttings in their bags and leave them in the back of your fridge (somewhere cool and dark) until you are ready to plant, or for those in climates with frozen soil wait until spring. 

Planting

You will want to use some sort of weed suppression, this can be landscape fabric or cardboard, or both. Tilling is also an option. Plant in full to partial sun and water frequently the first year.

Spacing is 2ft between rows and 8-12inches between cuttings.  For dense soil you may need to use a metal spike/stake to prepare the ground for the cutting. Something similar to a large tent stake will do, round is preferred. Wearing leather gloves helps with hand discomfort!

You will sink most of your cutting into the earth, with only about 2 inches above the soil. Make sure you have a couple nice buds above ground level. Check to make sure you are planting with the buds pointing up!

Harvest your willow in the dormant season once leaves have fallen. Harvest all of your willow each year, cut everything down as far as you can.  

Weave willow fresh or dry willow and soak for weaving later.