Any bamboo growers out there?

[Alan]

I am interested in introducing some bamboo into my landscape but I have never messed with it (but always wanted to). What is important to know? Can you propagate and is it okay with sandy soil. I live in sub-tropical climate so the temps should not be a problem. I would also love if anyone could share some ideas or pictures of what you have done with it... thanks.

[itsmatt]

Hi Alan,

I don't really know much about bamboo except that I'd like to grow a plot of it at one point. I saw an episode of "Gardening by the Yard" where his guest discussed (and demonstrated) what was involved in growing bamboo. Containment seemed to be a big concern for certain (maybe all or most) varieties.

I'd love to grow a stand of it to use for poles for various garden needs. The idea of buying lengths of bamboo at the store (and I have) always bugs me, mostly because I'm sure I could grow it here in VA quite successfully if I bothered to try.

I'll be interested to here what folks have to say too.

Take care,
Matt

[David]

I have researched growing bamboo pretty in depth, and I can provide more info with more data on your area. Mainly what zone is it?

You got two kinds of bamboo, running and clumping. Running bamboo is wildly aggressive and everyone I talk to regrets planting it. Unfortunately the majority of bamboo is running, and its the most hardy. Clumping bamboo is usually more desirable, but it tends to be less cold hardy and a harder to keep healthy.

I planted two kinds of clumping bamboo here in Central VA, and I havent had much luck with either one.....but I am mostly to blame. I have terrible clay soil and I didnt do much to amend it before planting the bamboo. In addition to that, one variety is not very cold hardy ( BAMBUSA textilis ) and the other doesnt tolerate summer heat very well (Thamnocalamus).

You can tame the running bamboo but you have to run a rhizome barrier a minimum of 24-36 inches deep in a perimeter of where you want it to grow. People say not ot use concrete because the bamboo with destroy that and creep through but I have seen it work before, it just has to be thick enough and you have to maintain it pretty regularly.

In any case, i find bamboo to be expensive to do responsibly. My recommendation, find a patch of running bamboo that you like the look of and ask the property owner if you can have some. They will usually jump at the opportunty. Then have a radius of 100 yards on all sides and plant it right in the middle and just maintan some edges with the lawn mower on occasion.

Here are a hand ful of helpful links:

Stores:
http://www.midatlanticbamboo.com/ (good info here too)
http://www.bambooheadquarters.com/store/
http://www.bambooplantation.com/files/price_list.php

Helpful Info:
http://www.bambooplantation.com/files/container_list.php#barrier
http://www.texasbamboosociety.net/

[Brandon]

The only way we could get rid of it was to cut a trail around it, fence it and put goats on it. It grew over 100 feet high and the worst part was when the blackbirds would roost in it, then it would rain, then instant chicken house.

If you want to grow it throw a piece on the ground and run like He--.

[Alan]

Thanks for all the info. I live in Northern Israel, so it is comparable to U.S. zone 8 or 9 I would think. Very dry, only about three or four months of rain. I understand bamboo to require a lot of water... this would be my problem. My soil is sandy to pure sand. I have to amend it for pretty much anything I want to plant. I knew a bit about the running verses clumping, and I have a lot of space to work with so I thought running. A local zoo has quite a bit of it and it is thriving, however they have a much greater water allowance, so... does anyone know how much water they can actually get by on?

[Coleen]

I advise LOTS of research. Had bamboo on my property at my previous house. Had to fight constantly to try and keep it under control. I think I lost that battle. I can't see any way running a lawn mower over it would keep it in check. I was out there with an axe, chopping constantly, and then carrying 10 or 12 foot sections out. It is fast growing. Provides a nice privacy screen. And, you can use the bamboo in the garden. But, it was just too invasive. My neighbor told me it all started about 30 years ago when her father planted two bamboo plants.

[Paige]

You have to be diligent with the lawn mower method for edging. It will only work while the new shoots are still tender, and would work best on newer plantings. I think established, 30 year old plants probably send up tougher growth more quickly.