| Growing bamboo for the first time requires a little | | | | plenty of conjecture with plastic, concrete or |
| due diligence however, once you have grasped | | | | metal used. Once the barrier is in place the |
| the nature of bamboo, maintaining it at a healthy | | | | bamboo is then planted. How effective is this |
| level is relatively easy. | | | | against the spread of underground runners? Again, |
| Growing bamboo is basically like building a house; | | | | it's debatable. You'll get arguments for and against |
| you want to make sure the foundation is solid | | | | and may have to perform extra maintenance |
| otherwise you'll encounter problems later on. It's | | | | work away from the plant such as keeping |
| placement in a garden is important. Generally, they | | | | surrounding sections dry. |
| enjoy full sun and in the initial growing phase, | | | | Clumpers |
| require some attention via watering, fertilizing and | | | | With clumpers, the restriction barrier isn't required |
| protection from competing weeds. | | | | in most cases although some experienced |
| Runners And Clumpers | | | | gardeners will install lighter barriers just to play it |
| One aspect of growing this plant that people | | | | safe. The root structure requires plenty of room |
| often overlook is the nature of bamboo: is it a | | | | to move so bear in mind, if you want the plant to |
| running variety or a clumper. If you live in suburbia | | | | reach maximum height, then be sure not to place |
| or a high density housing area then runners may | | | | it in too restrictive a base. |
| not be a good idea unless you have a sound | | | | Bamboo can be planted at most times of the |
| knowledge of containing them. Running varieties | | | | year. If you live in a cold climate, then make sure |
| can cause havoc because of their ability to | | | | the planting takes place during the warmer |
| produce runners below the surface which can | | | | months. This will give the plant plenty of time to |
| travel a great distance from the main base of the | | | | mature and become established before the cold |
| plant. | | | | hits. Plant it too late and it won't, in all probability, |
| Running Varieties | | | | survive the cold. |
| Running bamboo is ideal in creating fence breaks | | | | Planting bamboo requires a little homework initially |
| or privacy barriers between neighbors and | | | | but don't worry, it isn't "rocket science." Your |
| containing them, following sound planting principles, | | | | bamboo garden center should be able to provide |
| is achievable. Containment barriers such as large | | | | you with all the necessary instructions to |
| pots are the safest methods but for in-ground | | | | negotiate your first planting venture. One more |
| planting, then you'll need to build a special barrier | | | | thing, you will need to check with your local |
| around the plant. There are various methods | | | | government authority to ascertain whether |
| which involve digging 2-3 feet deep around the | | | | planting bamboo is allowed. There are restrictions |
| area of the plant base. | | | | in some areas, particularly with the running |
| Lining the wall of the barrier is often open to | | | | varieties. |