growing bamboo

How does bamboo seedling grow into a clump? Bamboo seedling grow into a clump by new shoots breaking through at the peripheries sometimes as fast as 1.5ft a day. Certain bamboo types grow over 3' (90cm) in a day! That's over 1.5" (3.8cm) in one hour!! No other plant on earth can do this. Bamboo grows amazingly fast and is mature in 1-3 years (dependent on species). Hardwood trees can take 30 to 40 years. Bamboo is the only woody plant that can keep up with the rate of human consumption and deforestation.
How do I go about mulching bamboo? Applying mulching to bamboo, 5-15cm of mulch is sufficient. In cold weathers 30cm deep layer of mulch is useful.
What do I use as mulching on bamboo? Suitable mulching material for bamboo can be bark or leaf, grass, compost and sawdust. Fallen bamboo leaves create natural mulch.
Can I intercrop bamboo? Bamboo can be intercropped during the first two years, intercropping is done between rows of bamboo, including bee keeping etc.
Does bamboo require much water to grow? Bamboo grows best with ample water but the roots must not become soggy and waterlogged to suffocate the roots and cause rotting. If soil has good drainage and well aerated, over watering bamboo is not a concern. Water stress can cause bamboo to abort new shoots. Solid bamboo require 350 and 800 mm.
What are the benefits of mulching bamboo? Mulching helps bamboo roots and rhizomes with top dressing and recycling nutrients back into the soil. Mulching helps bamboo rhizomes by preserving top soil and thrives with mulch. It's also used to reduce water loss & control weed.
How do I plant bamboo in the ground? To plant bamboo, develop a plan. Dig holes of 2ftx2ftx2ft. Clear bushes, grass and competing vegetation within a radius 60cm. To plant bamboo, put one foot of the top soil to the right, second foot of soil to the left. Return into the hole, the top soil. To ensure a soft landing for the bamboo seedling, fill the hole with top soil, plant in the centre of the hole. Use lots of water.
Does bamboo require cultivation after planting? Solid bamboo is rarely managed, but weeding of newly established clumps, and removal of overhead shade, is recommended. Prunning bamboo branches to give the stem a robust growth and width, is recommeded. A clump is 1-8m, & upto 200 stems.
Should I use fertilizer to plant bamboo? Use of fertilizer on bamboo is not mandatory. Fertilizer high in Nitrogen content like 20N 5P 5K can promote growth.
What is the preferred fertilizer for bamboo? The preferred fertilizer for bamboo is fertilizer high in Nitrogen content like 20N 5P 5K organic compost or manure. Organic fertilizer on bamboo is applied by top dressing it needs rain or water to get the nutrients into the soil.
When is it best to apply fertilizer to bamboo? The best time to apply fertilizer to bamboo is during the shooting season, at the onset of the rainy season. Organic fertilizers apply early for the nutrients to soak into the soil below. Chemical liquid fertilizers are absorbed almost immediately.
Does bamboo require weeding? The growth of bamboo can be hampered by weeds and competing vegetation. A radius of 24" (60cm) round should be cleared.
What are the climatic conditions required? Solid bamboo grows in av. annual temp. of 20-36C, with monthly average daily maxima of 30 to 36C and daily minimal of 7-17C.
At what altitude will the solid bamboo grow? The solid bamboo is seen to grow from sea-level up to 2000m altitude, but mainly at 300-1500m.
Does bamboo need too much water? Solid bamboo has the ability to withstand water stress, its ever green and produces fresh foliage throughout the dry season.
What spacing is required to plant bamboo? On one acre you can plant up to 160 to 240 seedlings with a spacing of 5m by 5m square. Depending on the space you leave on edges. Bamboo clumps that are meant for the production of edible shoots, animal and chicken fodder are planted on a spacing of 2m to 3m. Bamboo clumps being planted on wetlands or soggy land could be planted on a closer can be planted on a closer spacing of 2m to 3m.