How to Plant Willow for Basket Making: A Step-by-Step Guide

When we started planting our willow at Dingdong's Garden, this was one of our favorite guides. Simple, straightfoward, informational...


It explains the process of preparing twelve-inch cuttings from straight, branch-free rods, ensuring they are cut with a point at the bottom and a straight top. The tutorial covers essential growing conditions, noting that willow thrives in sunny areas without competition from other plants. Using a ground cover can help manage weeds until the willow's own leaves provide enough shade.

The guide also details practical planting techniques, such as spacing plants roughly 400 to 450 millimeters apart and using a poker to create holes to protect the rods. In the northern hemisphere, the ideal planting window is between October and March. It is crucial to plant the cuttings with the buds pointing upward and to leave at least two buds above the ground. Since willow varieties perform differently depending on the region, testing various types can help determine which grows best in your specific soil.

How do I start growing my own basketry willow?

Dried willow rods for weaving can be expensive and difficult to find. Growing your own solves both of these problems. We have over 40 basketry willows to choose from including many of the popular Salix purpurea, Salix triandra, and Salix viminalis species. Here are a few...