|
|
Homemade Rooting Compound
for Your Cuttings
by Pearl Sanborn
Related Articles |
|
Gardening on a Dime
Gardening for (Almost) Nothing Gardening Tips from Yesteryear |
|
|
Although store bought rooting compound doesn't seem to be overly expensive, most folks don't know that it can be toxic due to the fungicide included to protect plant cuttings from disease.
Just as in humans, hormones stimulate various functions in plant growth. The first hormone discovered to cause root growth is called auxin, and the synthetic version of auxin is what we find in commercially sold compounds today.
Aspirin with Water photo from Shutterstock
The willow plant is a natural source of auxin. Therefore, it can be very easy to make up a fresh batch of homemade rooting compound whenever you need to plant some new cuttings.
- Gather a handful of willow branch tips
- Chop or mash into smaller pieces
- Fill small container with pieces
- Fill container with water & allow to sit overnight
- Remove willow pieces
- Dip cutting into the water, covering the stem
- Put cutting into your potting mix (or moist sand)
- Cover with a plastic bag to retain moisture
- After roots form, re-pot
Also, don't get rid of the willow water when you're done with your cuttings. Save it to water your plants!
If you don't have access to willow, dissolve a few aspirins in a jar of water. Aspirin is made from willow bark, so it can have the same effect as the willow water.
Live way better for far less with LittleCountryVillage.com Homesteading, cottage gardening, frugal living. Get your free newsletter overflowing with goodies like today's article! Copyright© Pearl Sanborn
Take the Next Step:
- Check home and garden product reviews at Cheapism.com before making a purchasing decision.
Subscribe to TDS Newsletters
Join over 250,000 other subscribers!
To subscribe, check the newsletters you wish to receive, enter your email address and then click Subscribe.
View the TDS privacy policy.
|
Money problems? Struggling with credit card debt? What you need to know about bankruptcy? Trouble repaying student loans?
|
Get free money-saving articles in your inbox!
Sign up for our free weekly eNewsletter Surviving Tough Times.
Looking for an answer to a frugal living question? Click here to ask a
Dollar Stretcher Stretchpert!
Copyright 1996 - 2013 "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." All rights reserved unless specifically noted.
Contact the Dollar Stretcher at:
Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280
941-761-7805
"The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their own situation.
| About Us | Privacy Policy | Writer's Guidelines | Sponsorship | Media | Contact Us |
