How to Contain Bamboo Garden
Bamboo is considered one of the fastest growing plants in the world. It is capable of spreading several feet in the course of a single year. Bamboo is beautiful to look at, and it provides both shade and privacy in a garden. Properly containing bamboo plants will keep its growth under control.
What You'll Need:
- Bamboo
- Shovel
- Garden shears
- Choose the type of bamboo to plant in the garden. For small areas, clumping bamboo works the best. It only spreads a few inches each year, making it easy to contain. Running bamboo, while more popular, grows at a much faster rate. Some varieties may spread several feet in one year. It is only recommended for larger gardens.
- Plant the bamboo in the garden. Dig a shallow trench around the bamboo plants with the shovel. The trench only needs to be about 10 inches deep. This will act as a barrier to keep the bamboo contained. Make sure the trench goes around the entire perimeter of the area that you want to contain.
- Monitor the trench each season for any underground stems, also called rhizomes, that are trying to escape the area. It is wise to check the area twice during the spring, summer, fall and winter. Mark any stems that are found.
- Cut the underground stems with the garden shears, and pull them out of the trench. This will prevent the bamboo from growing outside of the garden. Be sure to fully remove any stems that are found. Fertilize and water the bamboo on a regular schedule to keep it healthy all year long.