How to Care for Bamboo in Soil

Bamboo is a variety of grass.

Bamboo is a tall grass that gardeners often plant as a border in their landscape. Some bamboo varieties are invasive and spread through underground runners. Bamboo care primarily includes proper planting and watering.

Location

Plant the bamboo in an area that receives partial sunlight and has wind protection. Bamboo prefers a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil, so it is best to work 2 to 3 inches of compost into the ground before planting. Install a polyethylene barrier around the planting area to prevent unwanted spreading.

Planting

Set a bamboo plant in a hole that is twice as wide as and 1 to 2 inches deeper than the root ball. Increase the nutrient content around the root ball by adding 2 inches of organic compost to the hole. Place the root ball on top of the compost and pack soil in the hole to keep the plant in place. Use care to prevent root damage.

Maintenance

Applying 2 inches of organic compost around a bamboo plant provides nutrients to the soil and increases moisture retention during the summer months. Provide supplemental water during the hot summer months to keep the soil evenly moist when rainfall is not present. Fertilizing bamboo in spring and summer with a high-nitrogen turf-type fertilizer will promote strong growth.

References

• University of Maryland: Bamboo
• American Bamboo Society: Planting and Caring for Bamboo
• Bamboo.com: Growing Bamboo