Rooting hormone has many properties that make it very useful to gardeners. It is great for encouraging roots to grow more quickly from your cuttings. It also give your cuttings a higher success rate in creating roots. You can buy rooting hormone in the shops. However if you prefer making things yourself, organic products as well as saving a bit of money read on to find out how to make your own rooting hormone.
What you need:
- Willow stems — All types of willow can be used but only the stems not the leaves
- A big bucket
- Water
The steps:
1) Cut the willow stems so that they measure between 5 and 10 cm long.

2) Put the stems into the bucket and add some water.

3) Leave the stems to soak in the water for about 3 weeks. The water will become sticky and brown. Here is your rooting hormone!

You’ll see how effective it is as the cuttings will have little shoots appearing at their base!

How to use it?
You can use your homemade rooting hormone exactly like a synthetic rooting hormone! Use it when making cuttings or when watering cuttings. You can also try out the liquid on young plants to help them develop roots or on plants that are looking a bit limp.