How to Grow a Bamboo Garden

Climate change has become an undeniable reality. Many people are scrambling to do their part to reduce their carbon footprint for future generations. However, did you know that planting a bamboo garden is one of the best ways that you can help save the planet? Bamboo is renewable and sustainable. In addition, it absorbs double the carbon dioxide as trees and will easily produce at least 30 percent more oxygen. Not to mention, bamboo is stunning. 

The Beauty of a Bamboo Garden 

The robust growth of a grove of bamboo is utterly amazing. The Guinness Book of World Records has declared bamboo the fastest growing plant in the world. One species will grow up to an astounding 35 inches every day. That is approximately one and a half inches every hour. Many people say that if you sit in a grove of bamboo on a warm night and you listen closely that you will hear the canes growing. Without a doubt, bamboo is mesmerizing and can be a valued addition to any landscape. 

Types of Bamboo

The diversity of bamboo is truly mind-boggling. Bamboo grows on five continents and there are 1718 species that are divided into 128 genera. At your local nursery, you will encounter around 100 species. Many can reach staggering heights of 30 feet and others will barely stand five feet tall when fully grown. You will see that bamboo is divided into two categories: clumping and running. Clumping bamboo grows in an easy-to-maintain clump and is not invasive. Running bamboo travels everywhere and can quickly overtake a landscape if not maintained. However, running bamboo is ideal for creating a privacy hedge or fence. 

Where to Plant Bamboo

Bamboo grows best in a planting location that provides full or partial sun. The plant thrives in moist soil but does not like overly wet feet. Many people grow bamboo alongside creeks, rivers, or ponds because its robust root system is ideal at preventing soil erosion. You can also plant smaller varieties of bamboo in containers. 

When planting bamboo, space smaller species at least two to three feet apart. If you are planting larger forms of bamboo, then space them about six to eight feet apart. 

Tips on How to Grow Bamboo

• Pick a variety of bamboo that is suitable for your climate. Many forms of bamboo cannot tolerate the cold and require tropical conditions. 
• Choose between clumping or running
• Plant in full sun to partial sun for best growth results
• Dig a hole that is twice the diameter of the bamboo’s root-ball
• Work ample organic matter into the soil 
• Place the bamboo in the hole and fill with soil. 
• Tamp the soil firmly down around the root system
• Apply a two to three-inch layer of mulch around the base of the bamboo to help keep the roots moist
• Water the bamboo twice a week until firmly established and then water once a week 
• Fertilize bamboo using Humboldts Golden Tree

In the spring, you can dig up the clumps of established bamboo and divide the rhizomes to transplant into other areas of the garden. Many people sell the bamboo that they grow as a lucrative side business. Others enjoy giving bamboo as gifts to friends and neighbors.

If you would like to learn more about growing bamboo or Humboldts products, please contact us today.