However, there are some delicate stages bamboo will go through during it's early phase and we'll present a simple 5 step process to getting your plant into the ground, ready to face the world!
Bamboos are very hardy and will enhance the appearance of any garden. They are great for creating fence lines and for providing privacy, particularly in suburban areas.
The two varieties of bamboo, running and clumping are two different beasts in a sense. The running variety can be great for creating a quick fix to a fence line but it has caused issues in the past because of it's intrusive nature. There are ways to contain this variety within a designated space but that's for another article. We are more concerned with getting your plant in the ground and on it's way to full growth.
5 Step Planting Process
1. Digging your hole requires two very important considerations. Firstly, the hole should be at least the depth of the pot the plant is sitting in and secondly, you want to give it plenty of space. A general guide for width is about twice the width of the pot. Some go even a little wider.
2. Once the hole is dug, add a generous amount of compost mix into the soil. The compost and soil will surround the plant.
3. When the bamboo is positioned in the hole, the clump of soil around the plant when extracted from it's pot should be level with the soil line.
4. Watering is extremely important during the plant's early growth. Be careful not to let the soil around the plant dry out. Some experts consider the first 12-18 months as vital and watering consistently during this period is a prime objective.
5. Fertilizing can be tricky. The plant should receive at least three applications during the first 6-12 months. Presuming you are planting in Spring, fertilize then apply follow up applications in summer and the fall. A nitrogen-based fertilizer is highly desirable when growing bamboo plants.
Right Time To Plant
Spring is usually regarded as the best time for growing bamboo. Planting at this time means the plant is heading into the warmer months however, provided areas don't drop below 40-45 degrees faranheit or 5-7 degrees celcius in temperature then it may not matter when you plant.
The important thing to remember is to get the plant established during the first six months and although it is a hardy plant, it still needs plenty of nurturing during the vital root growth stage.
Growing bamboo plants in sub tropical and tropical areas is very successful but they can struggle in very cold climates. If you live in a cold climate then consider growing them inside.
