How to Dry Bamboo for a Trellis

Roses, peas, cucumbers, grapes and other plants with vines require a climbing trellis to grow and develop properly. You can tie stalks of dried bamboo together to make a simple, sturdy, attractive trellis for your gardening needs. For best results, harvest stalks at least 3 years old and dry bamboo in fall or winter, especially in hot climates, to reduce the risk of splitting.

Rubber mallet
Ventilated drying racks
Tent (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Soak bamboo stalks in water for three months.
- 2
  Drive the stalks vertically into the ground in a sunny location, using a mallet. Let them air dry for two weeks. Drying the stalks vertically at first will prevent fungus from attacking.
- 3
  Lay the stalks horizontally on ventilated drying racks. Leave them in a cool, well-ventilated room or under a tent out of direct sunlight to prevent rapid changes in temperature or moisture content.
- 4
  Rotate the stalks every 15 days to promote uniform drying. Depending on the air quality and the size of the stalks, they should dry out completely within six to 12 weeks.

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