Description
Growing Organic Farm Crafted Willow Ferment is a seasonal Fermented Plant Extract made from willow branches. It is crafted on a farm near Paonia, Colorado, using natural probiotic farming practices, under the care of Miles Filippelli since 2016. It is made for all growth phases, particularly the rooting stage.
What's in it
Derived from mountain water, willow, molasses, sorghum syrup and local goat whey lactic acid bacteria, together with EM-1. Lactobacillus bacteria, nature's decomposers, break down organic compounds for efficient absorption. The extract balances and maintains pH levels for better stability in the garden.
Ingredients: Water, Lactic Acid Bacteria from local goat whey, Molasses, Sorghum Syrup, Plant Matter (Willow Branches), EM1
Why willow
Willow branches contain salicylic acid and are an old-time gardening secret. Willow is also among the fastest-growing plants, and the reason is a plant hormone known as indolebutyric acid. Trimmed willow branches hold those growth hormones and can be turned into a DIY rooting hormone for nurturing other plants.
Before the age of commercial rooting agents, willow was the go-to natural enhancer for plant propagation. The Salix genus includes over 400 willow species around the world.
Make your own willow water
Fermentation takes longer and locks in the benefits for long-term storage, but you can also make a faster version at home.
You'll need young willow branches (ideally no thicker than a pencil and from the current year's growth), a large container or bucket, boiling water, and a glass jar or bottle for storing.
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Collect: Cut some young, healthy willow branches. The newer the growth, the higher the concentration of the rooting hormone (indolebutyric acid).
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Prepare: Remove all the leaves and cut the branches into small pieces, around 1-2 inches long.
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Steep: Put the pieces in the container or bucket and pour boiling water over them, making sure they are fully submerged. Let the mixture steep for 12-24 hours so the water extracts the rooting hormone from the willow.
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Strain and store: Strain the willow pieces out and collect the water in a glass jar or bottle. Your willow water rooting solution is now ready to use.
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Apply: For plant cuttings, soak the base in the willow water for several hours before planting. For already potted plants, water them with the solution to encourage root growth. Occasionally watering your plants with willow water can also give them a growth boost, thanks to the beneficial compounds in it.
Storage and shelf life
Store homemade willow water in the refrigerator if you are not using it right away. Use it within 2 months for best results, since the effectiveness may decrease after that. The fermented version lasts much longer, for years at room temperature.
Benefits of willow water
- It is a natural alternative to commercial rooting hormones.
- It encourages root growth and can boost the overall health of the plant.
