Willow instructions
You can easily find planting instructions all over the internet. I found different instructions on different websites.
This is what I did, and I had success in my clay soil that is “the most acidic soil in Adams County” according to our Ag Extension office.
First, I limed the area I was going to plant the willow because I had to bring the soil’s pH down.
Then I pounded a wooden stake into the ground to create a hole about 8 inches deep; I filled it with coarse sand; stuck the unrooted willow cutting in the sand and watered it. I used sand because I did not think the tiny buds on the cutting would be able to fight their way through my clay soil. So, it depends on your soil. Oh, and be sure that when you put the cutting in the ground that the buds are pointing upwards. (And...I tried a different method this year planting the cuttings. I simply waited until the ground was soft due to lots of rain and put my cutting into the ground. I have had complete success with this method.)
Keep the sand/soil moist. Your cuttings cannot get too much water, but they CAN dry out and you don’t want that. They will die.
You might need to drape a gauzy plant cover over the cutting if you have an issue with field mice or rabbits in your area. At the time I planted my first cuttings I did not have wildlife issues, but now I do. I have a whole rabbit warren under my new shed. They LOVE willow.
If you want stems that are NOT branchy for your floral arrangements or basketry, then plant the willow about 1-2 feet apart. Some willow varieties will grow up and tall and some will stay like shrubs.
There are three things you can do with your willow plant. You can leave it grow unpruned or you can cut it down every year or every other year. If cutting it down, then do so in late winter. You can either coppice it which is to cut down to a short stump or pollard it which is to cut down to a taller stump.
If you need any help or have any questions, please feel free to contact me at inchbyinchwillows@gmail.com. I am happy to help you enjoy your willows. ~ Julie
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