When pruning or thinning bamboo plants, it is important to cut the canes close to the ground. This will give the new shoots an opportunity to grow well.
Also, you'll get tall bamboo canes that have tough 'bottoms' and can last longer in the soil.
When prepping bamboo canes, always remove the branches and leaves neatly, do not work against the grain.
Trim the branches using a pair of secateurs or sharp knives. In addition, use a garden rope to tie the bamboo canes (see image) into a bundle.
That way, it's nice and neat as well as light and easy to store and move around when you need them.
5 preps tips for long-lasting bamboo canes
Work out how high you want the plant to grow.
Use a pair of secateurs to cut bamboo canes (cut close to the nodes, careful not to split the bamboos).
Use a digging tool to make holes deep into the pot and push the bamboo canes into the holes.
Compact the soil around the bamboo canes.
Use garden ropes to tie the potted plants to the bamboo canes.
*If you are building a wigwam-climbing frame for the crawling plants like the trellis, follow steps 1 – 4 and use smaller bamboo canes to tie them together)
Cut bamboo canes close to the nodes
Although bamboo canes have a high resistance to rotting, the exposed ends can disintegrate quickly.
The part of bamboo cane inside the soil will rot when it is exposed to water and moisture.
However, when cut close to the nodes, it acts as a barrier and can slow down the bamboo cane from rotting quickly.
Avoid splitting bamboo canes
Use a sharp pair of secateurs and do a clean-cut at the bottom of the bamboo canes.
Avoid splitting the bamboo during cutting.
Your bamboo canes will last longer, and you'll be able to re-use them for many years if they stay whole.
Be careful not to split the bamboo canes because the splinters are sharp and can cause nasty cuts to exposed skins, too.
All in all, cut the bamboo close to the ground (during pruning) and close to the node before using it to support your plants in the pots.
Bamboo canes great for vines and new plants
The bamboo canes are tall, slender, rounded, tough and strong. They are the perfect support for new plants, vines, beans and garden and pot plants that need stem support.
The bamboo canes will last for many years. You can use and re-use the canes, they are tough, firm and strong. They are also flexible, you can bend them to your liking and create amazing shapes and designs.
In fact, bamboo canes will form a formidable support system if you use ropes to tie the plants to the canes or group them together into wigwam climber frames.
This has been seen in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and other Asian countries where bamboo canes are used to create stunning garden features.
In the UK, many creative gardeners and homeowners are using bamboo canes to build different support systems for their garden and pot plants.
Putting up a bamboo fencing roll as a windbreak or for privacy screening can bring the best out of small areas. They are quick to set up and provide the instant cover you need.
It can cost £150 - £180 to get it done for you. Find out how to do it yourself.
Use bamboo rolls to build fence screening
Here are steps for building a standalone bamboo screen or attaching bamboo rolls to fences and existing structures.
Measure the length and width of the designated privacy screening area (Take note of bends or any adjustments).
Order bamboo fencing panels and treated posts (according to how many you’ll need from your measurement in Step 1)
Dig the soil and set the posts in place (You may have to cement the posts to provide additional strength).
Build a strong frame connecting the treated posts.
Cut to length and width of the screening area (Some DIYers prefer to cut the bamboo splits after the bamboo splits are in place).
Tie the bamboo rolls with cable ties or wires to the mainframe (in Step 4)
Tidy the edges of the bamboo fence screening rolls and clear up.
Use treated posts with bamboo fencing rolls
Ideally, the round-treated posts tend to match the roundness of the bamboo stick, unless the bamboo screens are splits.
Use a strong post that you think will go well with the bamboo panels.
Choosing a good fence post is important for building a new standalone privacy screen.
For a strong support system, the posts should not be too close or further apart - too close and you’ll need more posts, further apart and the structure will wobble.
An interval of 1 metre or 1.5 metres between the pillar posts is ideal.
Select the best bamboo fence roll
The bamboo fencing screen is quick to set up and lasts longer.
The bamboo fencing rolls, splits and splits are great products for fencing screens.
The main problems with these products are mould and rusty weather.
These problems are easily avoided when you do a good check of the bamboo fencing products prior to buying them.
In this Bamboo Bathroom Storage Hacks, you'll find out how to make a bamboo storage for toothpaste and toothbrish, and bamboo storage tube for storing important documents.
DIY bamboo bathroom storage
A bamboo toothpaste and toothbrush storage tube is a fantastic little product to keep in the bathroom.
It does not take too much space.
You can also hang it up on the wall or place it anywhere near the sink for convenience.
Firstly, cut the bamboo to length leaving a node to act as the base-stopper. It can either be a straight cut or diagonal cut, but it needs to be 1 cm to 2 cm shorter than the length of your toothbrush and toothpaste.
Secondly, give the newly cut bamboo a good sanding all over. Apply heat if you want it to be nice and shiny brown.
Then, drill a small hole underneath the bamboo bathroom storage so that water can drain out.
Finally, your new DIY bamboo toothpaste and toothbrush storage are ready to use!
How to make a Secret bamboo storage box or tube
You will need to make both the tube and its top seal.
Firstly, select a bamboo cane with a long intersection ( or internode).
Secondly, use a handsaw or hacksaw to cut the bamboo into a tube with one side close (node intact) and the other node completely cut out.
Then, use fine sandpaper to smoothen the rough edges.
The secret bamboo storage tube is done.
Next, you need to make the top seal. You'll need a slightly small bamboo that can fit into the tube you made above.
Cut out one side with the node intact.
Give it a good sanding and make it fit into the bamboo tube you cut previously.
Trim out the edges and tidy it up.
Finally, the secret bamboo storage box or tube should be complete with its top seal in place.
Bamboo garden DIY Hacks
Check out this video and our YouTube channel for garden DIY Hacks using bamboo canes.
Each link takes you to the page with detailed intructions and pictures to help you build you own or give you an idea about how to make yours.
Bamboo canes are fantasic materials to use in home and garden DIY projects.
The canes are flexible, you can cut, bend and shape to your liking.
They are used extensively in the Asia and South Pacific regions for many purposes, from cooking food to building materials and making fun arts and crafts products.
The uses are limitless!
Take a look at how to make stationery storage and cups from the common bamboo plants.
Pencil bamboo storage box
The bamboo columns (internodes) are perfect for storing pencils, pens, highlighters and generally school stationeries and supplies.
To make the bamboo storage, you need a handsaw, sandpaper/wood file, candle and a thick (dry) bamboo cane.
Firstly, cut the bamboo at an angle of 10 - 15cm from the node (angle-cut will make it easy to store and retrieve different lengths of pencils, pens, markers, highlighters, etc...).
Secondly, use fine sanding paper to smoothen the edges.
To give the storage box a brownish glow, hover it over the gentle candle heat.
Finally, give it a clean and your bamboo storage box is ready to use.
Apply light varnish or wood paint for a fine finishing touch.
Bamboo water cups
Bamboo internodes have been used as water storage in Asia and Pacific regions for many centuries.
Today, bamboo water bottles and bamboo cups are fantastic traditional products.
It is natural and the water tastes better in it.
If you have a large bamboo pole you can make several cups out of it.
Firstly, the steps are similar to the steps for making bamboo storage. But instead, you'll have to cut across the bamboo forming a cup shape.
Secondly, give the freshly cut bamboo a good sanding.
Then, rinse the bamboo cup in warm water and let it dry.
Finally, your new bamboo cup is ready to use.
You can apply decorations and candle heat to give it a nice brownish glow.
Do not fill the cup with hot water because it is likely to crack.
Why bamboo storage?
Bamboos stems, also called the internodes, are extremely hollow in the middle, slim and long.
The internodes are best for storing pencils and pens, toothbrushes and slim many other similar everyday items.
Bamboo tubes are also best for storing secret documents, paintings and important documents.
Let's have a look at what bamboo storage boxes you can make.
Here are 4 simple but stunning bamboo storage boxes and tubes you can make.
Water cups
Pencil bamboo storage box
Secret storage bamboo box or tube.
Bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste storage.
Bamboo garden DIY Hacks
Check out this video and our YouTube channel for garden DIY Hacks using bamboo canes.
Each link takes you to the page with detailed intructions and pictures to help you build you own or give you an idea about how to make yours.
