Showing posts with label Garden How-to. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Garden How-to. Show all posts

3 best ways to propagate lucky bamboo plants at home

Lucky bamboo is a popular houseplant. But, keen growers are asking 'how can I propagate lucky bamboo plants? You will also need to know how to provide ongoing care for your bamboo plants.

There are 3 common ways to propagate a lucky bamboo plant.

Propagation by
  • stem and shoot cuttings,
  • separation (plant division) and
  • seeds.
how to propagate lucky bamboo plants

How can I take cuttings from lucky bamboo plants?

Before propagating lucky bamboo, take the cuttings either from the main stalks or side shoots. The lucky bamboo plant grows quicker from cutting than from the root separation and seeds.
  • To take the cuttings from the main stalk, cut 3 – 5 cm away from the node. As for the new side shoots, take the cutting as close as you can to the main stalk, the new shoot will re-generate so you do not have to worry.
  • Tidy up the first 2 – 4 sheaths along the cuttings to make way for the roots to germinate.
  • Coat the freshly cut ends with candle wax to stop them from rotting.
  • Now, the cuttings are ready for propagating in growing mediums.

How can I propagate stalk and shoot cuttings?

Lucky bamboo cuttings prepared above will thrive in water, soil and gravel. In this case, we’ll use soil as the propagating medium.
  • Put cuttings in a growing pot.
  • Add well-drained potting soil so that it covers 2 or 3 rooting nodes.
  • Water generously, use distilled water.
  • Set aside in a well-ventilated location where there is good indoor light.
  • Water regularly for 7 to 14 days after planting until you see signs of growth.
Top tip. Always use distilled or rainwater as they are free from chlorine which is the main cause of rotting in these plants.
What is the difference between propagating and growing lucky bamboo plants? Take a look at the top 10 FAQs on lucky bamboo plants.

How can I propagate lucky bamboo by plant divisions?

You can propagate lucky bamboo by plant divisions by separating the stalks from a recent purchase or removed from another pot. 

You can use soil, water or gravel as a growing medium. In this case, we’ll use soil.
  • Tidy up any loose leaves, roots and ends.
  • Cover any freshly cut ends with candle wax to prevent rotting.
  • Prepare a regular pot with loam or potting soil. Place gravels or rock at the bottom of the pot for drainage
  • Place the plant divisions in the pot and cover the first 2 – 3 nodes with soil.
  • Water generously. (To promote root growth, mix some rooting powder with water)
  • Set aside in a well-lit location, away from direct sunlight and busy areas.
Top tip: Within 1 to 2 weeks, new roots and shoots should appear. Water once or twice each week. There is no need to water regularly if you are using loam soil as it has a high water retention capacity. Keep a close watch for signs of rooting and new shoots. Avoid giving the lucky bamboo fertilisers at this early stage.

How can I propagate lucky bamboo plants from seeds?

It takes a long time to get real lucky bamboo plants from seeds. In fact, it can take 6 – 12 months from potting the seeds to getting a real plant. 

Also, lucky bamboo does not flower regularly, that’s why it’s often hard to get the seeds locally. The best thing is the satisfaction of propagating your own plant! 

So, here are the steps you can follow if you are ambitious.

Propagating lucky bamboo from seed:
  • Place the seeds out on a wet paper towel or white cloth. The seeds are black and small, so be careful when handling them.
  • Prepare the grow pots. Add well-drained moist soil or potting soil. Avoid using regular garden soil because it may have snails and slugs in them.
  • Put the seeds about 1 cm to 1.5 cm into the soil. Space them out evenly.
  • Water generously and place them in the greenhouse or in a shaded site until they germinate.
After propagating bamboo from seeds
  • Check and water regularly, but do not overwater.
  • Gently pull out the plants that are 10 cm in height and move them into pots until all your plants have been transplanted.
  • Do not empty the growing pot (tray) because some seeds may remain dormant in it. Leave them for a further 2 or 3 weeks until you are absolutely certain that all the seeds have germinated.
Top tip: It can take up to 2 weeks, even longer, for the lucky bamboo seeds to germinate. Once the new plants reach 10 cm to 15 cm tall, transplant them into larger pots. Ensure that the soil you are using is rich in nutrients and well-aerated. Lucky bamboo plants do not like waterlogged soil, do not overwater the plants.

How long does lucky bamboo take to grow?

The propagated plants can take about 2 weeks to 4 weeks for the first signs of growth to appear. 

It depends entirely on the method you are using and the initial care you give to them. Read about the best practices and care guide for lucky bamboo plants

Some plants will take longer, so be patient. Either way, the best thing is to enjoy watching your lucky bamboo plants grow.

Conclusion

All in all, you are likely to get healthy plants much faster from the stalk and shoot cuttings than by plant divisions and from seed propagation. 

We hope that the 3 ways help you to propagate lucky bamboo plants. Let us know in the comment which method suits you.

How to build a deer, bird and insect netting for garden

You can use bamboo sticks to make garden hoops for netting. If the squirrels and pigeons get the garden berries before you, you might want to build a protective netting around the berries. 

The bamboo garden hoops are perfect for protecting the berries in the garden. 

Hope it gives you some ideas about how to build a simple, but practical, garden netting to stop deer, bird and insect netting from getting to you plants.

How to build a deer, bird and insect netting for garden

You will need x3 long bamboo sticks to go from one end of the netting to the other. This will set the length and width of the garden netting, so choose them carefully. 

Alternatively, you can tie the bamboo together to give you a longer length. Then, bend the bamboo stick into an arch shape, forming the bamboo garden hoops or loopers. 

These will now be the hoops for the garden netting. 

 You can put the bamboo hoops straight into the soil or build an elevated top cover, and throw the net over it, like in this YouTube video.
Check out the fruit cage for sale.

This video shows how to build netting cheaply by using the materials listed in this article. All done in one day. 

After completing the hoops for the garden netting, spread the net over the top and use ropes to tie them in.

No need to use nails or cable ties, garden ropes will do. 

The idea is simple, but it works every time. Here are some practical garden uses of bamboo sticks.

Bamboo best natural garden hoops

The bamboo sticks are fantastic materials for making garden hoops for netting, incredibly flexible. They can fit into the spaces making it easy to create formidable nettings for small gardens. 

They are also best for arch-shaped netting. 

You can use them to make almost anything from building netting like this to using them as support for runner beans, sweet peas or any garden plant. 

Hope this article and the video guide give you an idea about how you can use bamboo to build garden hoops for your netting project, too. 

How to make garden bamboo hoops for netting?

The freshly cut bamboo sticks from the bamboo grove are easy to bend to shape. In fact, they are so flexible that you can make a nice arch shape and use them as hoops for netting. 

If you are using large bamboo stems, apply gentle heat to the stem and see the magic, the bamboo will bend easily.

Also, bamboo culms/stems will bend nicely from the bamboo grove. So, train them early on into a hoop while they are still young. For example, this big bamboo arch/hoop was trained into a hoop formed in the bamboo grove. Perfect for use in arching projects like this tomato frame.

benefits of bamboo plants

What bamboo plants are best for garden hoops?

There are many bamboo plants that produce long and narrow culms. The best bamboo plants for garden sticks are the Phyllostachys aurea and Phyllostachys bissettii. 

These two bamboos grow well in the UK, their culms are slender, tall and very strong. They produce better, bendable, bamboo sticks which make great garden hoops for netting. 

Other tall bamboos like the Phyllostachys vivax are also good, but they have large stems/culms, which are often hard to bend to shape.

Materials for bamboo garden netting

In this project, the main material is bamboo, others include old rubber hose and mesh wire. It is a simple idea, but it works out perfectly every time. 

Firstly, use bamboo sticks/hoops to build the mainframe. Then, put the netting over it. 

Materials:
  • Garden net
  • Mesh wire
  • Garden rope
  • Bamboo sticks
  • Point Crowbar
  • Old water hose
Note: Freshly cut bamboo sticks are best for making garden hoops for netting because they will bend easily without breaking. 

You can substitute the materials for others you have in the garden, but the substitute for bamboo sticks can be hard to find.

List of materials, tools and garden essentials

Here is a list of tools, materials and garden essentials and where to buy them.

Materials/tools (Buy at B&Q)

  • Garden net
  • Garden hoops
  • Bamboo sticks
  • Chisel & Point Crowbar

Fruits and seeds (Buy at YouGarden)

  • Strawberries
  • Raspberries and Blackberries
  • Black current and Gooseberries

Gardening essentials (Buy at YouGarden)

  • Composts
  • Fertilizers
  • Slug pallets
  • Pots and planters
  • Gloves

Potted bamboo plants (Buy at Crocus UK)

  • Phyllostachys aurea
  • Phyllostachys bissetti
How to build a deer, bird and insect netting for garden

Hope it gives you some ideas about how to build a simple, but practical, garden netting to stop the deer, bird and insect netting from getting to you plants.

How to build outdoor raised garden bed planter box

This article provides the steps for making a garden pallet planter box without using nails. You can re-use the materials you have in the garden for this project. 

The steps are easy to follow. What's more, use the video guide to build your own. 

DIY outdoor raised garden bed planter box

You can make a pallet planter box with some old pallet timbers, bamboo sticks and ropes. 

I build these types of boxes and use them successfully in small spaces. Hope this instruction gives you an idea about your planter box project.
DIY garden planter box

Materials for garden planter box

  • x12 pallet timbers or old weatherboards
  • x8 treated posts (or 4-inch by 2-inch timbers)
  • a packet of nails

Tools required

  • handsaw
  • hammer
  • shovel
  • road pin/crowbar
  • claw bar

DIY Outdor Planter Box project

The idea is to use bamboo sticks as pegs where the pallet timbers will slot in before tying them together. This will form the 4 sidewalls.
  • 1. What you need: x24 bamboo sticks, x12 pallet timbers, ropes, and a crowbar.
  • 2. Set dimension: The planter box is 1.5 metres by 1.5 metres all around, and the depth of the box is 0.4 metres.
  • 3. Build the first sidewall: Use the crowbar to punch x6 holes in the soil (2 holes opposite each other); put x6 bamboo sticks into the holes.
  • 4. Tie bamboo in pairs: Tie bamboo sticks/pegs in pairs with pallet timbers in between them– no need to use nails.
  • 5. Build the other sides: use the same idea to build x4 sides.
  • 6. Tie the corners: Each corner will now have 4 bamboos, use the ropes to tie all the 4 bamboos, at the corners, together.
  • 7. Planting: Finally, add soil. Your planter is ready.

DIY ideas for small garden box planter - no nails

There are many ways to build raised planter boxes. It also depends on the materials and tools you have at home. 

However, it is important to learn some simple techniques and best practices. 

One of the best things that I’ve learnt over time is to use bamboo sticks in pairs as pegs to build the sides. Tie pair of bamboo sticks to hold the timbers together. 

The natural plant leaves are perfect rope alternatives for projects like this. There is no need to use nails, cable ties, or other plastic ropes in the garden.

Cordyline australis leaves garden rope alternative

use of cordyline australis plant leaves

One of the plants that grow in the UK – the Cordyline plants – is the practical alternative for garden ropes and nylon ropes. 

I’ve used the leaves to tie tomatoes, flowers, bamboo and many other plants in the garden.

Take a look at the different varieties of Cordyline australis available at Gardening Direct UK.

In this project, I used its dry leaves to tie the bamboo pegs that held the pallet timbers. The leaves are strong ropes. 

They can last for more than 24 months, similar to eco-garden tie-ropes. In fact, they are a great alternative for nails and other garden ropes. 

The dry leaves from the Cordyline plants may not be ideal for permanent projects. Yet, they are perfect for tying plants in spring and temporary projects, like the DIY outdoor planter box. They can last the whole summer.

See this tomato plants hoop frame where I used strips of the Cordyline leaves as ropes as an alternative to nylon ropes. 


If you want to use a natural (biodegradable) rope, use the Cordyline leaves. Here is where you can get the plants online in the UK.

Challenges of working with pallet timbers

Working with wooden pallet timbers is challenging because the jawed nails are hard to remove. Sometimes, you can damage the timbers. 

To avoid that, Use the right tools to remove the nails and prepare the pallet timbers. A wrecking bar with a chisel end is a perfect hand tool for removing nails without destroying the timbers. 

I hope this article about DIY Outdoor Planter Box inspires you to build yours. If you want more ideas for small gardens, check out my DIY bamboo garden projects.

How to make large wooden planter box

In this article, you'll find out how to re-use pallet timbers and build large planter boxes for the garden, patio or any outside space. 

The idea is simple, yet it works every time. You’ll need pallet timbers to make a garden planter box like the one in the video.

Steps for making Large Planter Box

There are many ways to build large planter boxes. In some garden DIY projects, you may use the whole pallet, whereas others require removing the nails prior to using the timbers. 

The best tool for removing nails from pallets without spoiling the timbers is a claw bar. (See the list of tools and material you'll need for this project at the end of this article.)
  • 1. Collect the materials you’ll need for the project.
  • 2. Set the dimensions (L, W & D). 
  • 3. Cut the corner posts and timbers to length. 
  • 4. Dig x4 holes big enough for two posts on each corner. 
  • 5. Build the 4 corners. Put two treated posts at the right angle to each other at each corner. Nail them together. 
  • 6. Build the sides of the planter box. Use a hammer to nail the pallet timbers to the corner posts. You can use 2, 3 or 4 pallet timbers – this will set the depth (D) of the planter box. 
  • 7. Fill the large planter box with garden soil or compost. That’s it!
Your brand-new large planter box for the garden is ready. 

Best technique for DIY Garden Planter Boxes

This is a little-known secret used in many planter boxes and DIY projects. It is called the ‘right-angled’ boxed technique. 

The idea is about putting two timbers at a right-angle (90 degrees) to each other, where you can build the sidewalls of the box as shown in the image. 

It is an effective technique for building strong boxes, raised beds, fences or any garden projects with corners.

how to build a wooden planter box for garden Each corner with x2 posts at a right angle (90 degrees)

Make large planter boxes using a DIY technique

Using the right-angle technique is ideal for large planter boxes and raised beds. It makes the sides strong and stable. You can use the garden boxes for a long time. 

We use the technique to build these two garden boxes. 

In fact, we have been using the garden planter box on the right for over 6 years. And this year, we re-use the same pallet timbers to make the new planter box shown in the images above.

That's how long planter boxes like these last in the garden. 

how to make large planter wooden box for outside Small Planter Pox, elevated (L) and Raised Garden Box (R)

To make the Small Planter Box for the patio, you’ll need pallet timbers, nails and a hammer.
  • Firstly, build 4 stands for each corner. (Use 8 pallet timbers to make the stand for the corners by applying the right-angle technique mentioned earlier)
  • After that, hammer in the side timber, starting from the top. (Nail in 2, 3 or 4 pallet timbers on each side, leaving 5 – 10 cm space at the bottom.)
  • Then, complete the other sides.
  • Fill the Small Planter Box for the patio with soil.
That’s it! Your new garden planter box for the patio is ready for planting.

Make Raised Garden Box for outside

You can use the same idea to build the raised garden box, which is much simpler than the elevated patio box because its bottom simply rests on the ground. And, requires less work. 

You only have to build the x4 corners (using the right-angle technique) and the sides. 

Working with wooden pallet timbers is challenging. It is difficult to remove the timbers from the jawed nails. 

A wrecking claw bar with a chisel is a perfect hand tool for removing nails without destroying the timbers.

Simple garden DIY ideas that work

In many cases, you do not have to spend money to build new garden boxes and raised beds. You can re-use what you have to create something that you want. 

Learning to use gardening techniques like these can help you build strong planter boxes and raised garden beds. They can be adapted to other wooden garden projects too. 

We shared two skills that DIY gardeners will find useful: the Right-angled technique and bamboo pegging. We’ve used it in many projects. They are simple ideas but work every time. 

Get more ideas about the Home and Garden DIY projects via the links.

Materials for garden box

  • x12 pallet timbers or old weatherboards
  • x8 treated posts (or 4-inch by 2-inch timbers)
  • a packet of nails

Tools required

  • handsaw
  • hammer
  • shovel
  • road pin/crowbar
  • claw bar

How to propagate clump-forming bamboo [base separation]

Clumping bamboos do not have running rhizomes, instead, the roots are packed around the base forming a clumped base, hence the name clump-forming bamboo. 

When separating the clumps, take care to preserve the parent plant.

Find out how to propagate clump-forming bamboo by base separation. Check out how to propagate running bamboo and lucky bamboo plants.

How to separate clump-forming bamboo from the main plant?

The rhizome clusters can be difficult to separate from the main plant. 

Dig on one side of the bamboo plant to expose the clumped roots.

Then, separate the plants, this is called clump base separation.

  • To uproot the whole plant, dig around the plant, exposing the clump roots.
  • Pull the whole bamboo plant out without destroying the roots.
  • Remove soil clusters around the roots.
  • Use a pair of secateurs to separate the new clump bamboo shoots, and ensure that each cutting has 2 or more culms/stems.
  • Cover the parent plant with soil immediately.
  • Put the new Clump-forming Bamboo cuttings straight into a pot or container.
  • Cover the new plants with nutrient-rich soil and mulch, ready for propagation.
how to propagate bamboo UK

Recommended: The bamboo varieties that grow well in the UK. Find out.

    How to separate clump-forming bamboo from the pot?

    Separating potted bamboo plants is the best way to get lots of plants. Be careful, you can lose the whole plant. Here is how to do it well.
    • Immerse the pot in water for 10 minutes.
    • Put the whole plant gently out of the pot.
    • Use a handsaw (or electric saw) to separate the plant in half.
    • Dip each section back into the water before planting in the garden or in pots.

    5 factors affect the growth of new bamboo plants

    Propagating bamboo plants required care and maintenance. Consider the 5 factors when attempting to propagate new clump-forming bamboo plants.

    1. Where to plant new bamboo plants

    The two bamboo plant varieties in UK gardens are tough plants. They can adapt to the four seasons. 

    Grow new bamboo plants in locations where there is a good amount of sunlight and away from the wind.

    If you are growing bamboo in pots and containers, moved around when they need sunlight and away from hazards.

    2. Choosing a clumping bamboo

    Clump-rooted bamboo plants are suitable for pots and containers. 

    They are shade-loving plants, great for borders, hedges, screens and small gardens, 

    Read about the features and cost of the two bamboo varieties and 13 types of bamboo grown in the UK.

    3. Soil for growing bamboo cuttings

    Bamboos are tough plants. They can endure poor soils, but it is better to grow the new cuttings in nutrient-rich soil topped with mulch. 

    If you’re propagating clumpers in a container, use potting mix or well-sieved soils and fine sand.

    4. Early-stage care for your bamboo cuttings

    The new bamboo cuttings will need the right amount of water and attention in Spring as the roots start to develop and the leaves come out. 

    Pay extra attention when planting the bamboo cuttings in late Spring or early Summer.

    Mulching is highly recommended as it will help to retain water in soil or pots and containers ( where the cuttings are planted).

    5. Monitoring the growth of your bamboo cuttings

    While the bamboo cuttings are growing, you should regularly check them for any signs of wilting, bug infestation, weeds, and lack of sunlight.

    Taking good care of the new bamboo cuttings/plants will give you a 100% success rate.

    Top tips for propagating bamboo cuttings

    Here are the key points for propagating clump-forming bamboo plants.

    • New plants need attention.
    • Water generously to keep the soil moist.
    • Clump-forming Bamboo plants are ideal for indoors and keep them in pots and containers.
    • Propagate cuttings in late summer or early spring.
    • Use nutrient-rich soil and mulch to propagate cuttings.
    • New plants need constant attention. Water generously, keep the soil moist.
    This page contains articles on how to propagate healthy bamboo plants - check out the archive for more info.

    Important checks

    The new cuttings will require care and attention when you see the signs of new leaves. 

    So, check for the following.

    • The soil remains moist, but not waterlogged. (Read about the best soil for propagating bamboo)
    • Check for unusual paleness on the culm and leaves, as any change in colour will reveal the condition of the cuttings.
    • Move the new plants to a safer location IF the temperature drops or rises dramatically.
    • Do not place them under big trees, when placing the cuttings in shades, as the falling branches will ruin your hard work.

    Enjoy the growth and development of your new bamboo plants because they are amazing plants. Incredible!

    Check out this article on Bamboo Plants that Thrive in UK Gardens, it is an insightful take on how to identify and grow new bamboo plants.

    How to propagate bamboo from seeds

    Propagating bamboo from seeds is the best way to get many plants growing at the same time. 

    It will take a long time if you take into consideration the germination period to potting in grow pots and holding pots.

    But, it can be a delight to get new bamboo plants from seeds.

    The steps will help you to increase your success rate when propagating bamboo that way.

    This page contains articles on how to propagate healthy bamboo plants - check out the archive for more info.

    how to propagate bamboos from seeds

    Soak seeds

    Step 1: Firstly, soak the bamboo seed in a bowl of water for 20 - 24 hours. 

    The water should not be too hot or too cold. Hot temperatures will destroy the bamboo seeds.

    Cooler temperatures are likely to delay the seeds from germinating, 22 – 25 degrees Celsius are ideal for soaking bamboo seeds.

    Prepare compost and grow pots

    Step 2: Prepare the compost in a pot or tray, space the seeds out at 1 - 2cm intervals and sprinkle a fine layer of compost on the top.

    Control temperature and moisture

    Step 3: Use a seed propagator if you have one. 

    If you do not have one, use a clear plastic bag big enough to cover the pot or try completely.

    Seeds germinate well where it is not too hot or too cool, so maintain the germinating temperature of 22 – 26 degrees Celsius.

    Seeding site

    Step 4: Place your potted seeds in a site where there is shade. 

    Check the potted seeds daily. You should see the first sign of sprouting after 10 – 15 days.

    Seeds care

    Step 5: It can take up to 30 days for all the seeds to germinate, some seeds may take longer. 

    Check that the leaves are green and healthy, and the soil remains moist.

    Elevate the clear plastic cover, of the lid if you are using a propagator so that the leaves do not touch the sides of the covers.

    Here is an in-depth article on how to propagate bamboo plants for the seeds.

     

    How to remove bamboo without chemicals?

    Want to remove bamboo plants without chemicals? Find out about the 4  best ways to kill bamboo plants and stop them from spreading.

    Bamboo rhizomes are hard to remove when they spread out. Digging the rhizomes is a perfect way to kill the bamboo permanently.

    When is the best time to remove bamboo?

    The best time to kill bamboo is in late Spring when new growths are coming out but discard the bamboo cutting safely as they will grow back.

    Also, early Summer is a good time to do that because the warm weather will inhabit any new growths.

    Discard the rhizome cuttings in storage or bin free of moisture where they will not grow.

    Remove bamboo stems and rhizomes

    Non-chemical way to kill your bamboo is better for the environment. But it is painstakingly hard work.

    You will need

    • Pickaxe
    • Spade or shovel 
    • Pairs of secateurs or garden loppers

    remove bamboo without chemicals


    How to remove bamboo without chemicals?

    Before starting to remove bamboo plants, make sure that the area is nice and clean - clear of any hazards.

    The steps will help you to get started.

    Use Pairs of secateurs or garden loppers

    1: Use a pair of secateurs or garden loppers to cut down the stems, remove the branches and store the bamboo canes for future use.

    2: Cut all the rhizomes and pull them out. 

    Then, cut them into small pieces and store them in a dry place until they dry out. Do not discard them straight away because if you do, they will grow back.

    Also, pour hot water or vinegar over the newly cut rhizome to kill them permanently.

    Use a pickaxe as a lever

    3: The rhizomes grow on the top layer of the soil, so dig down and along or around the bamboo plant. 

    Use the pickaxe as a lever to uproot the rhizomes. If it is too strong, cut the rhizomes into sections as it will be easy to remove.

    Use a spade to remove soil

    4: Remove any soil around the bamboo roots and base of the parent plant. 

    Keep the cutting in direct sun or pour boiling water on them to stop the cutting from growing again.

    If you want to remove bamboo permanently, you must remove all rhizomes, including the cuttings and discard them away from your property.

    4 Best ways to kill bamboos plants permanently

    Although bamboo plants are evergreen and adorable plants adorable, the rate at which they grow can be troublesome. 

    The running bamboo plants spread aggressively and take up any space very quickly if left unchecked for 2 – 3 years. 

    One of these methods may be ideal for you when removing bamboo plants, check the links for details:

    • Cut stems and dig rhizomes to kill bamboos
    • Pour boiling water on shoots
    • Cut and burn to kill bamboos
    • Apply vinegar
    Get all the tips on how to remove bamboo.

    Note: Get it done professionally. The work is painstakingly hard.

    If you want to do it yourself, here are 4 ways to kill bamboo plants permanently.

    Understanding and working with bamboos

    If you want to know the methods for killing bamboo fast, skip this part and read the method that you wish to use in the article. 

    In fact, understanding the features of the bamboos’ roots, rhizomes and stems can reduce the effort required to kill the bamboos.

    The bamboos are put into two groups: Running bamboos and Clump-forming bamboos. (We covered this in detail here – Bamboo Varieties that Thrive in the UK). 

    In the open, the running rhizomes may grow to an average depth of 30 - 40cm. 

    Although this depth is quite shallow, the intricate rooting system makes it difficult to kill bamboo permanently.

    Also, the clump-forming bamboo could be quite tough to remove. The clumpers' bases are much tougher because of the compact nature of this bamboo.

    Therefore, you may have to apply one or more ways of killing the bamboo highlighted in this article to remove them permanently.


    How to kill bamboo 3 ways [vinegar, hot water and burn]

    At a pH of 2.4, distilled white vinegar is a pretty strong acid. It can kill the bamboo’s new shoots and rhizomes tips if applied directly. 

    The steps are the same as using hot water but instead using white vinegar.

    • Use the pair of garden loppers to cut the bamboo stems close to the ground. 
    • Dig around the bamboo plant to expose the root system. 
    • Use the garden rake to remove soil where you dug and tidy the area.
    • Pour undiluted white vinegar directly onto the stems, exposed roots, rhizomes and shoots.

    Monitor the plant in Spring and Summer. Reapply vinegar if new growths appear. 

    kill bamboo using vinegar

    Burn bamboo cuttings and rhizomes

    Burning can be very effective but is not environmentally friendly. 

    It is a traditional method of removing bamboo in bamboo-growing regions in Asia and the Pacific where slash-and-burn farming is common. 

    Although it is not an environmentally friendly way to kill bamboo permanently, it is less labour intensive compared to the methods mentioned above.

    What you need

    • Pickaxe
    • Garden rake
    • A pair of garden loppers or secateurs

    1: Cut the stems and rhizomes close to the ground. Collect the bamboo stick for use in the garden.

    2: Dig up the bamboo, and loosen the soil around the roots and rhizomes.

    3: Leave the cuttings and leaves for a few days to dry.

    4: Put enough bamboo cuttings into the fire pit or the enclosed fireplace. Add more until you’ve burnt all the cuttings. Do not burn all of them at the same time.

    You can use bamboo ash in the garden. The silica content in bamboo is high in calcium and potassium.

    Warning: Use a closed fire pit or makeshift fireplace to contain the heat and flames. 

    Do not burn bamboo in the open, near buildings, in busy residential areas or anywhere that is not safe to make a fire. 

    The burning leaves and hollow hardy stems can release lots of heat and flames capable of reaching several metres.

    Best ways to kill bamboos plants permanently

    Although bamboo plants are evergreen and adorable plants adorable, the rate at which they grow can be troublesome. 

    They spread aggressively and take up any space that is available very quickly if left untouched for 2 – 3 years. 

    One of these methods may be ideal for you.

    • Cut stems and dig rhizomes to kill bamboos
    • Pour boiling water on shoots
    • Cut and burn to kill bamboos
    • Apply vinegar
    Get all the tips on how to remove bamboo.

    Note: Get it done professionally. The work is painstakingly hard.

    If you want to do it yourself, here are 4 ways to kill bamboo plants permanently.

    How to Transplant New Bamboo Plants

    Bamboo seeds take up to 12 months to grow in propagators before they can be transplanted into holding pots. 

    Care has to be taken when transplanting delicate new plants.

    how to plant bamboo seeds

    Steps for transplanting new bamboo plants

    When the seeds have germinated, it is time to transplant them into the garden or larger pots.

    You will need steady hands to do that.

    Step 1. Prepare soil for growing bamboo sprouts:

    Mix a good potting soil with compost bark in the ratio of 75% to 25%, or 3 parts potting mixture to 1 part compost bark. The compost bark will add humus to the soil. 

    Alternatively, use natural plant-based humus such as fine grass cuttings. Do not add too much as the heat can kill the new bamboo seedlings.

    Step 2. Moving sprouts: 

    Carefully pull the healthy sprouting seeds out of the propagating pot or tray. 

    Use a lifter so that you do not break the delicate roots.

    Step 3. Leave the soil in the propagator

    Put the propagating pots or trays back and leave for a further 10 days as the dormant bamboo seeds are likely to germinate.

    Step 4. Potting sprouts: 

    Lay the bottom of the 4cm or 6cm plastics pots or containers with pebbles or broken ceramics. This will stop soil from falling through and improve drainage. 

    Add the mixture of potting soil and bark (from Step 1). Plant the sprouts in the centre of the pots, careful not to damage the taproot and new root hairs.

    Step 5. Site for potted sprouts: 

    Set the potted sprouts (in Step 4) in a location where the condition is suitable for further growth. Ideally in a greenhouse or indoors, for the new bamboo to grow for 10 - 12 months.

    NOTE: You could lose 1 in 10 bamboo seedlings, but most of them stand a chance to germinate. 

    When the new bamboos have reached a height of 10 – 40cm, it is time to move them into larger pots and containers.

     Check out the different ways to propagate bamboo plants.

    Transplant new bamboo plants 

    Transplant them into mini grow pots. Always use plastic pots. The ceramic pots retain heat and are not ideal for germinating seeds. 

    They’ll need water even in Winter and a lot of attention.

    Though bamboo seeds carry the nutrients they need to germinate, once they are transplanted, they'll need nourishment. So, use nutrient-rich soil. 

    The best soil for planting new bamboo plants is an all-purpose compose.

    Spring is the best time to transplant new bamboo that you grow from seeds.

    Bamboos are fastest-growing plants

    Bamboo plants are known as the fastest-growing plants. Some species can grow at an average of 1m per day. 

    The first shoots, rhizomes and culms can reach their full growth between the 4th or 5th year after planting. When the bamboos start to ‘outgrow’ the pots, repot them. 

    Prune the rhizomes and old culms so that they do not invade other spaces

    The best thing to do when learning how to propagate bamboo from seeds and transplant them successfully is to prepare the materials and site properly.

    How to Plant Bamboo Seeds

    There are three common ways to propagate bamboo plants – using the seeds, rhizome cuttings and culm cuttings. Find out how to plant bamboo seeds and transplant them successfully.

    plant bamboo from seeds UK

    Materials for planting bamboo seeds

    The two important factors you should pay attention to when propagating bamboo seeds are temperature and soil moisture.

    As a rule of thumb, temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius and high moisture content are ideal for bamboo seeds to germinate. 

    • A 50/50 organic compost.
    • 4cm - 6cm growing pots or trays.
    • Bowls for soaking the seeds.
    • Rainwater or distilled water.
    • Propagator (or well-insulated greenhouse) to keep the temperature constant at 25 – 30 degrees Celsius

    Buy bamboo seeds online

    Bamboo plants flower occasionally and therefore seeds are hard to find. Yet, you can buy the seeds either online or from reputable nurseries in the UK.

    We found three online sellers that are based in the UK and do free deliveries. Here is their link on Amazon.

    Plant bamboo seeds indoor

    Important: To grow bamboo from seed, soak the seeds in a bowl of water for about 24 hours to promote root development. Distilled water is ideal for soaking bamboo seeds. Avoid using treated water.

    Keep the temperatures at the standard room temperature to promote germination.

    Step 1 Soak seeds: 

    Firstly, soak the bamboo seed in a bowl of water for 20 - 24 hours. The water should not be too hot or too cold. 

    Hot temperatures will destroy the bamboo seeds. Cooler temperatures are likely to delay the seeds from germinating, 22 – 25 degrees Celsius are ideal for soaking bamboo seeds.

    Step 2 Prepare compost and potting seeds: 

    Prepare the compost in a pot or tray, space the seeds out at 1 - 2cm intervals and sprinkle a fine layer of compost on the top.

    Step 3 Control temperature and moisture:

    Use a seed propagator if you have one. Alternatively, use a clear plastic bag big enough to cover the pot. 

    Seeds germinate well where it is not too hot or too cool. Maintain the germinating temperature of 22 – 26 degrees Celsius.

    Step 4 Potted seeds storage site: 

    Place your newly potted seeds where there is a medium shade, away from direct sunlight. Check the potted seeds daily. 

    You should see the first sign of sprouting after 10 – 15 days.

    Step 5 Seeds care: 

    It can take up to 30 days for all the seeds to germinate, and some seeds may take longer. Check that the leaves are green and healthy, and the soil remains moist. 

    Elevate the clear plastic cover, of the lid if you are using a propagator so that the leaves do not touch the sides of the covers.

    When is the right time to plant bamboo seeds?

    Spring and Summer are the best times to grow bamboos from seeds in the UK. Check out the different ways to propagate bamboo plants.

    Put the seeds indoors or greenhouse and maintain the soil moisture content as well as the temperature so that it is not too cold or too hot but at the standard room temperature of 22 – 25 degrees Celsius.

    After they’ve germinated, it is time to transplant them into mini grow pots. 

    Always use plastic pots. The ceramic pots retain heat and are not ideal for germinating seeds.

    From seeds to germinating and transplanting bamboo plants, they’ll need water even in Winter. They’ll also need mulch and a lot of attention.

    Bamboo seeds carry the nutrients they need to germinate. Yet, grow them in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.

    The best soil for growing bamboo seeds is an all-purpose compose.

    How long does it take bamboo seeds to grow?

    New shoots and roots will appear after 20-30 days after planting. 

    This is the best part of growing bamboo from seeds, it shows that the bamboo roots and rhizomes, and culms are establishing themselves in the propagator.

    Start potting the early bamboo sprouts into larger pots where they'll grow for the next 12 months. 

    This will give the seeds that remained dormant in the propagator a chance to germinate.

    Note: It can take as long as 5 years to grow bamboo from seeds to planting in pots and in the garden.

    Here are some guided info on how to grow bamboos: how to grow bamboos in pots and containers. & the best soil for growing bamboos in pot.

     

    Bamboo from seeds to mature plants

    It can take an average of 5 years to plant bamboo from seeds to get a fully grown bamboo plant.

    Though it is a painstaking undertaking, it can be really satisfying. 

    Here is a breakdown of how long it can take to plant bamboo from seeds to potting to transplanting into pots and gardens.

    • 12 hours: Soak seeds in distilled water for propagating.
    • 10 - 12 months (1st year): Bamboo Seeds grow in a propagator. Ready for transplanting into holding pots.
    • 1 – 2 years (2nd – 3rd years): New bamboo plants (in holding pots) can reach 1m  in height with an established rooting system.
    • 2 – 3 years (4th – 5th years): Fully grown bamboo plants, ready for planting in the garden or big pots.
    These bamboo plants can live for more than 60 years.

    The best thing to do when learning how to plant bamboo from seeds and transplant them successfully is to prepare the materials and site properly.

    How to Plant Bamboo in Soil

    Most runner and clump-forming bamboos that grow in the UK will thrive if they are planted in well-prepared soil with good moisture. 

    Learn about how to plant new bamboo in soil and what soil is best for growing them.

    how to plant bamboo in soil not Lucky Bamboo

    How to plant bamboo in soil

    Holding pots

    • Choose a decent size pot for your bamboo plants.
    • Lay the bottom of the pot with pebbles or a porous sheath to prevent the potting mix from falling out and making a mess.

    Soil

    • Add the loam soil into the pot or container.
    • Plant the soil in the pot or container and firm down the soil, careful not to break the new shoots and rhizome tips.

    Moisture

    • Add hummus, and use compost or mulch around the bamboo to a depth of 5cm – 10cm.
    • Water generously.
    Check out where to buy potting mixtures, composts and large pots for growing bamboo in soil from top UK home & garden suppliers.

    Grow healthy bamboo in soil

    Soil with good moisture content and rich in nutrients is ideal for planting new bamboo. 

    But how do we know that the soil is fit for the healthy growth of the new bamboo?

    Although matured bamboos are not fussy about where they are planted, the new bamboo plants are fussy. 

    They need soil rich in nutrients and moisture in order to survive their first year.

    Give your new bamboo plants a good start by doing these.

    Use well-prepared soil rich in moisture and nutrients: Use loam soil, topped with mulch to reduce water loss.

    Choose the right variety of bamboo: Select the variety that grows well in pots and containers in the UK.

     Select the right size pot or container: Choose a large pot with proper drainage holes. 

    How to new bamboo plants grow in soil?

    Newly planted bamboo in well-drained, moist soil will thrive when they've established a strong root system. this will be obvious from the healthy culms (stems), branches and leaves.

    This video provides insight into how a new bamboo grows in the soil.

     

    Plant new bamboo in soil

    This archive of articles has lots of info about how to propagate new bamboo plants, check it out

    The articles are insightful (and personal) take on how to propagate, transplant and grow bamboo plants successfully. 

    You can see most of out work on our YouTube channel too.

    We hope this article inspires you to grow your own bamboo plant in the garden and enjoy the beauty of this amazing plant.