How to Grow Bamboo Stands

Bamboo is a fast-growing member of the grass family and can quickly increase in size. Growing both tall and wide, bamboo is often used as a hedge or screen providing additional privacy for homeowners who live in cramped suburban or urban areas. Bamboo is easily established, but containing it is difficult without great care. Many types reproduce using rhizomes that can easily escape into neighboring properties.

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare a bed or large container in a full-sun area protected from winter winds. Work enough compost into the soil creating a loose, well-draining medium. Bamboo does not tolerate wet feet. Establish a pH of approximately 6.5 for best results. Line a large area such as a bed with an impenetrable material, such as metal or concrete, which extends 3 feet below ground if you intend to grow running-type bamboo.
- 2
  Plant bamboo while it is still dormant. Dig a trench for a hedge planting and place each plant before filling in the trench. Space the plants according to the bamboo’s height. Stands shorter than 3 foot should be planted no farther than 6 inches apart, 10 to 20 foot tall hedges need 12 to 24 inches of spacing. Fill the trench with loose soil and apply a fertilizer that is suitable for lawn grass; 8-6-4 or 10-6-4 is recommended. Provide 1 inch of water for your plants every seven to 10 days. Weed the bed frequently during the first year after planting your bamboo.
- 3
  Divide established bamboo stands by digging rhizomes from the edges of established plants. Replant divided bamboo immediately and water them thoroughly. Mowing unwanted bamboo while it is still immature prevents further spreading.

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