Bamboo spreads and grows very large.
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that is often used as a border or a privacy screen. There are hundreds of types to choose from, and they fall into two categories: running and clumping. Running bamboo spreads fast and can be quite invasive. Clumping bamboo looks like a bushe. Rather than digging up and discarding new bamboo plants, you can replant them in a new spot. Transplant it in the early spring or late autumn for the best chance of survival. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Growing Bamboo
1. Define the growing space for the bamboo. Running bamboo should have at least 20 feet for proper spreading. Each clumping bamboo needs three to five feet of space so that it can grow to a mature, large size.
2. Improve the soil. Bamboo can grow in just about any soil, but adding compost or manure will make the plant grow faster. The plant thrives in rich, fairly loose soil. Mix amendments in with the soil to a depth of about a foot.
3. Dig a hole deep enough for the root ball to sit an inch or two below ground level. Fill in around the roots with the removed soil and tamp down lightly to remove air beneath the soil surface.
4. Water bamboo two to four times per week during the growing season, which runs from late spring to fall. Older bamboo can survive in drought-like conditions, but they prefer consistent moisture.
5. Apply a nitrogen fertilizer, such as a lawn food, to nourish the plant. It will encourage green foliage and strong growth. A nitrogen/potassium/phosphorus ratio of 21-5-6 is good because of the high nitrogen content. Do the first application in early spring once the plant is about to make new shoots. Give bamboo another round of food in the middle of summer.
Replanting Bamboo
6. Split and replant bamboo when it gets too large for its current location. Dividing the rhizomes will give you several plants instead of one.
7. Insert a shovel into the ground and lift up as many roots as possible. Try not to cut or damage the roots. The more the plant retains, the better it will survive replanting.
8. Loosen the soil in the new planting location. Mix a rich topsoil or composted material into the top foot of soil. Use compost or manure that is high in nitrogen.
9. Make a raised bed that is six to 12 inches high. This will allow the roots to spread well and the soil to drain well. Let the borders taper off sharply to define the growing space and keep the bamboo from spreading all over.
10. Dig a hole twice as wide as the roots. Place the bamboo in the hole so it sits an inch or two beneath the surface. Fill in with soil and press down.
11. Water until soaked. Keep the roots moist for the next two weeks to help the transplantation process.
Tags: compost manure, early spring, growing space, high nitrogen, Running bamboo, with soil