How to Plant Bamboo

How to Plant Bamboo image
Bamboo plants can be planted at any time of the year. In the cooler months they won’t show much vertical growth, but rather concentrate on establishing their roots in the new environment, ready for the weather to warm up.

Preparing the plant’s new spot

It is best to dig the hole about twice the size of the container that the plant is coming out of. However, if the bamboo plant is advanced in a large container this may be a little excessive.

As long as there is plenty of room around the root ball to create a fertile environment for the roots to grow into, this should be enough.

If your soil contains a lot of clay or sand, or is depleted of nutrients, then adding some premium garden soil to the area will be beneficial. 

This will help to establish positive root growth in the bamboo plant’s new environment. 

Alternatively, you can soften the ground by filling the holes with water and allowing it to drain to soften the ground around the planting area. Then, place the plant in and backfill the hole with soil. 

The addition of a soluble fertiliser as well as some beneficial micro biotics at this time would also be helpful.

Water the plant thoroughly after it is first planted. This will remove any air pockets and soften the soil around the roots. Then water the plant, at the root ball, every couple of days or as required, ensuring the soil is moist rather than wet, until it establishes.

Mulch is essential

Mulch is the key to the success of healthy thriving bamboo plants. Bamboo plants are shallow rooted so the mulch assists in protecting the soil from drying out, and reduces the amount of watering required. 

A good, thick 100mm layer of organic mulch is preferred. Water the mulch thoroughly as well, once applied. 

Feed your bamboo

All of our plants will have active fertiliser in their containers, which will assist with nutrient supply as the plant is settling into its new environment. 

It doesn’t hurt to apply some more once the plant has established though, to give it some growth support. 

You can use the same product that you used when planting, or another type of slow or controlled release product available.

Like turf, bamboo loves nitrogen, so choose a product that is high in this element. Spring and summer is always when they will require the most feeding.

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