How is Bamboo Cricket Bat Different from Willow Cricket Bat?

A recent (May 2021) study finds that cricket bats made from bamboo could be an alternative to traditional willow bats. 

Cricket bats are an important piece of equipment in the game. 

The bats used in cricket matches predominantly come from the English willow trees. 

A strict law governs the production and use of bats in professional matches. 

So, why bamboo cricket bats? Can you use them in cricket matches?

Key features of bamboo cricket bats

The bamboo bats are made from 100% natural bamboo. They are heavier, stronger and more durable. 

Also, bamboo bats are products of sustainable bamboo plants and are eco-friendly. 

Recent research by the University of Cambridge uncovers the key performance features of bamboo bats as compared to traditional willow bats. 

Generally, the bamboo bat used in the research:

• offers ‘low stiffness’.
• produces leather sound.
• offers a better ‘sweet spot’.
• comes from sustainable giant bamboo.
• is heavier and delivers more energy to the ball.

Check out our collection of bamboo eco-products. We research each product and give a balanced overview so that you can make the right choice.

Bamboo bat research, promising

The study compare performances of a prototype bamboo bat against the traditional willow bat. 

It uses video technology and computer modelling to investigate the impact, vibration, hardness and compression of the bamboo and willow bats. 

Interestingly, the study finds that bamboo bats show the 5 standout features mentioned above. And performed exceptionally well against the traditional willow bats. 

That said, there are legal and technical issues needed resolving before using bamboo cricket bats at the professional level. 

Read more about the new research and what the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) said about it at the end of the article. 

Image: University of Cambridge website (A researcher, Ben Tinkler-Davies, with the prototype bamboo bat)

What did the researchers say?

The researchers said:

"It has been great to see the massively positive feedback we've had from the cricketing community. We expected questions and reservations, but at this point in time we need to be looking to the future and sustainability. Cricket could be a real leader in that.”

"Hopefully one day we'll have a professional player walking out into Lord's holding a bamboo cricket bat."

"We feel the advantages massively outweigh the disadvantages, so it would be great to start working with the MCC.

How is Bamboo Cricket Bat Different from Willow Cricket Bat? 

Advantages of bamboo bats

The willow trees take more than 15 years to grow to maturity, whereas the Guadua and Moso timber bamboos take less than 7 years to harvest. 

The fast-growing habit means bamboos are sustainable raw materials for making cricket bats. 

More so, these giant bamboos grow in many parts of the world including China, India and the US. Results from the University of Cambridge study conclude that bamboo outperforms willow bats.

It stated that ‘’

it's [bamboo bat is] stiffer, harder and better under bending’’.

Disadvantages of bamboo cricket bats

The bamboo bats are dense and very heavy because of the high number of bamboo strips used in a laminated plank. 

Their combined weight is far greater than a single plank made from the willow tree. 

 One of the University of Cambridge researchers said:

"We made a prototype bat and it was 40 per cent heavier than a willow. But that was based off a 2016, classically-shaped bat.

To make it better, he added:

"The next stage of our project is to take the better material properties and make a thinner bat which, although would be the same weight as a willow, it hopefully should have better properties."

Raw material for bamboo cricket bats

Bamboo planks (the main material for making cricket bats) come from laminated bamboo strips. First, bamboo culms are split lengthwise into fine strips. 

Then, glued and laminated into planks before being cut into the right size. The result is a much stronger, higher-density plank. 

According to the University of Cambridge, the bat is made from Guadua and Moso bamboo planks.

 

Are bamboo cricket bats sustainable?

It takes a willow tree 15 to 20 years to mature whereas the Guadua and Chinese Moso timber bamboos take less than 7 years. 

They are fast-growing plants and tend to grow taller every year. That means that a Moso timber bamboo grove can produce more planks in 20 years compared to a willow tree. 

They are sustainable.

What did MCC say about bamboo bats?

The MCC released a statement two days after the bamboo cricket bat study was published in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Journal. 

The governing body said:

"[We] read with interest the research study from the University of Cambridge. "Currently, law 5.3.2 states that the blade of the bat must consist solely of wood, so for bamboo (which is a grass) to be considered as a realistic alternative to willow would require a law change.

"The law would need to be altered to allow bamboo specifically, as even if it were to be recognised as a wood, this would still be illegal under the current law, which bans lamination of the blade, except in junior bats.''

It is important for the world cricket governing body to consider the impact of changing the law regarding cricket bats because it is significant cricket equipment. Here is what MCC said:

"MCC's role as Guardian of the Laws includes maintaining the balance between bat and ball, and any potential amendments to the Law would need to carefully take this into consideration, particularly the concept of the bat producing greater power."

In regard to environment and sustainability, MCC said:

"Sustainability is a relevant topic for MCC and indeed cricket, and this angle of willow alternatives should also be considered.

"With the researchers stating that the most suitable types of bamboo grow abundantly across China and that low-cost production could make bamboo bats a viable and ethical alternative to willow, this could provide a pertinent angle for further research and the possibility of reducing the cost of producing bats in different areas of the world."

Interest in bamboo cricket bats

At present, the MCC is yet to make a statement on the legal and technical aspects of bamboo cricket bats. 

Recently, India manufactured bamboo cricket bats. And, testing them out following the trend set by the University of Cambridge team. The admiration for bamboo cricket bats is growing. 

Google searches indicated that Australian, New Zealand and South Africa cricket fans are fond of the heavy bamboo bats. 

As mentioned earlier, unless there is an amendment to The Bat Law 5.3.2, the use of bamboo is illegal at international stages.

Bamboo Cricket Bat vs. Willow Cricket Bat

Spectators like to see the big sixes, right? The bamboo cricket bats may have the answer for the hard-hitting batsmen out there. 

The researchers believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of using bamboo cricket bats. Meanwhile, they’ve reached out to the MCC and are awaiting a response to their findings. 

The international cricket body has yet to deliberate on what to do. 

Going forward, the researchers are aiming to make thinner bats that weigh the same as the thicker willow bats. 

That could change the game in a big way. 

This commentary is based on the initial research done by the University of Cambridge. You can see the original research on the University of Cambridge website.

Best large glass canister jars with bamboo lids

Every spice needs the best storage so that it remains fresh. Glass jars with bamboo lids are ideal for storing spices. The lids have special rubber rims that keep them securely fastened when closed. 

But it requires a good understanding of the sizes and types of the spice glass jars to find the perfect one.

We’ve done the research and found ideal spice jars with sustainable bamboo lids for you. 

Top tip: Bamboo lids with rubber rims are the best seals. When buying spice glass jars or canisters with bamboo lids, always ensure that the inner rubber-rim seals are present.

Canisters with bamboo lids

The storage canisters are multi-purpose use. They are great for spices as well as sugar, coffee and tea. This product is sold by Ryman. You can also browse the massive collection of jars and canisters at their site.

• + 3 in a set
• + Tight-sealed lids
• + Multi-purpose use 
• + Large internal area
• + Solid and lightweight
• +  Sustainable bamboo lids
• - Bulky
• - Likely mismatch
• - Alternative for glass jars

 

Spice glass jars/canisters with bamboo lids – single

You can get them in different sizes. This spice glass jar with a bamboo lid is for storing long spices or multiple spice glasses because of the large spaces inside them.

Positives

• + Stackable
• + Large storage
• + Tight-fit lid with rubber seal
• + Lid comes with glass jar
• + Store spices and other food
• + Large storage area

Negatives

• - bulky
• - hard to open

Stackable glass jars with bamboo lids – sets

Not only stable and stackable but also beautiful. 

This product from JD Williams can be used to store sugar, coffee and tea. 

Yet, perfect for spices. It comes with a bamboo lid. The rubber rims around the lids are perfect for keeping spices fresh.

• + Stackable         
• + Available in sets
• + Sustainable bamboo lids
• + Rubber rims/seals
• + Stylish engraved designs
• - Likely to run out of stock
• - Available in 650 ml glass only

Check out the benefits of using Spices Glass Storage with Bamboo lid

Differences between glass jars and canisters

Canisters are bigger than glass jars. You can store several smaller spice glass jars in a large canister. Alternatively, store large spices in a canister and smaller ones in glass jars. It depends entirely on how you want to use them.

Perhaps the important thing is to keep the spice nice and fresh.

Some canisters with bamboo lids are purpose-built to hold a number of smaller glasses. 

If you want a super cool canister that can hold all the spices together, check these products on Amazon.

What storage glass jars with bamboo lids to buy?

The single spice jars are best buys if you want to add to your collections of spice jars. But, if you want a complete set, the stable glass jars that come with labels are great storage.

If you get your spice in whole, the canisters with bamboo lids are good for storing them.

Alternatively, safely store the smaller spice glass jars in a larger canister and use the bamboo lid to secure everything against the elements. That way, your spice will last longer and have the same fresh taste every time.

Conclusion

All in all, the best spice glass jars and canisters with lids have elastic rubber rims. 

They come in different sizes, some single and others in sets. 

See our affiliate shop for more bamboo products.

Disclaimer: We may earn commission from purchases through the product links, it comes at no additional cost to you.

What are benefits of spice storage jars with bamboo lids?

There are many benefits of spice storage jars with bamboo lids. Storing and retrieving spices are easy and are decorative pieces of storage jars. Make a statement every time.

This product from JD Williams can be used to store sugar, coffee and tea. 

Benefits of spice storage with bamboo lids

The jars and canisters are perfect for storing dry foods including spices. They are a great alternative to single-use plastic. 

They come in various sizes and shapes with durable bamboo lids which will help keep food fresh. You can also take it with you whether you are travelling to work or having a picnic.

The canisters are made from metal aluminium, whereas the glass jars are made of borosilicate glass the jars. 

Washable in hot and cold water. 

However, do not wash the bamboo lids in the dishwasher, always wash in warm soapy water and clean-dry immediately.

Both spice glass jars and canisters with bamboo lids are durable. They will last as long as you take care of them.

What storage glass jars with bamboo lids to buy?

The single spice jars are best buys if you want to add to your collections of spice jars. But, if you want a complete set, the stable glass jars that come with labels are great storage.

If you get your spice in whole, the canisters with bamboo lids are good for storing them.

Alternatively, safely store the smaller spice glass jars in a larger canister and use the bamboo lid to secure everything against the elements. That way, your spice will last longer and have the same fresh taste every time.

The best spice glass jars and canisters with lids have elastic rubber rims. 

They come in different sizes, some single and others in sets. 

See our affiliate shop for more bamboo products.

Disclaimer: We may earn commission from purchases through the product links, it comes at no additional cost to you.

Are bamboo furniture durable?

 There are certain things to know about bamboo furniture, whether you own one or planning to buy it.

Bamboo products and especially outdoor bamboo furniture will need some care to last longer. 

So, are bamboo outdoor furniture durable? We take a look at how it's made and why it's durable - what you can do to make it last longer

What to know about bamboo furniture?

Giant timber bamboos

There are different types of bamboo plants. 

The most common ones used for making furniture are the giant timber bamboo. 

They are cut, split cleaned and dried. 

After that, the splits are tidied into fine strands and laminated to bamboo beams, panels, ply, veneer, lumber, etc.

Find out about the best bamboo outdoor furniture in the UK 

Our door furniture general care

Though natural bamboo furniture is tough and durable, exposure to outdoor conditions can damage them. 

So, protect them by using some sort of cover or storing them indoors.

Ocassional maintenance

Bamboo indoor and outdoor furniture will require occasional dusting and maintenance. 

The indoor bamboo furniture will require cleaning with a wet cloth to clean the dust and cobwebs.

Whereas, the outdoor ones will definitely require occasional vanishing to make them look beautiful again.

Outdoor storage

Before buying, it is important to think about where you will keep the furniture during the winter or when they are not in use. 

There is no need to worry if you are going to place them in a designated area outdoor. 

But then, it is better to provide some sort of cover to protect them from the weather when you are not using them

Bamboo furniture is durable

Bamboo furniture sets are adorable. Their durability, strength and appearance make them the best outdoor and indoor furniture. 

Their presence at home creates an atmosphere of calmness. 

Above all,  bamboo outdoor garden furniture is made of sustainable material, unlike trees and plastics.

Bamboo outdoor garden furniture are sustainable

Bamboo home products provide a feeling of warmth and comfort that synthetic products do not give. 

In fact, the demand for bamboo outdoor garden furniture and other home furnishing pieces is growing as many people are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to tree and plastic options. 

What’s more, the bamboo home furniture is strong and durable, ideal for both indoors and outdoors. 

What is some common bamboo furniture for home and garden? Here we take a look at 10 common indoor and outdoor furniture and where you can get them.

Bamboo garden furniture

The bamboos are tough raw materials for making furniture. 

Aside from the fine finishes applied to protect the garden and home bamboo furniture, they have natural antibacterial properties that protect them. 

 One thing to mention here is that the bamboo fibre itself, like other raw materials, is not durable. 

But its natural durability and toughness are further enhanced during the manufacturing process through the application of finishes. 

Furthermore, the laminated bamboo strips are stronger than a single oak timber, for example. This means that the garden bamboo furniture is stronger, tougher and more durable.

Bamboo furniture for indoors

• 1. Vintage bamboo furniture set
• 2. Bamboo dining table set
• 3. Bamboo bedside table
• 4. Bamboo bedframe
• 5. Bamboo bathmat

Check out B&Q's wide collection of Garden and Home sustainable bamboo products.

Bamboo furniture is growing in popularity lately as many homeowners realise that there are more stunning options available on the market than it was 5 years ago. 

More than that, bamboos are a highly sustainable raw material for making furniture sets such as Vintage bamboo furniture sets and Bamboo dining table sets. 

Bamboo furniture for the outdoors is also growing in demand due to the fact that they are durable and strong. What’s more, they will last for years with minimal maintenance.

Bamboo outdoor garden furniture

Check out these fantastic bamboo furniture collections at Cox and Cox UK.

• 1. Bamboo Outdoor lanterns
• 2. Bamboo outdoor chairs
• 3. Bamboo outdoor sofa
• 4. Bamboo outdoor furniture set
• 5. Bamboo lounge

Why choose bamboo furniture for indoors and outdoors?

Bamboos are giant grass plant that grows very quickly. It grows faster than trees and is highly sustainable. 

In addition, there are other reasons why bamboo furniture is a great addition to your home and garden collections.

Tough and durable

Bamboo furniture can withstand the weather and everyday use. 

Its natural hardiness and tolerance to high humidity mean that furniture made from bamboo is tough. 

These properties of bamboo make them an ideal choice for outdoor furniture.

Bambo cricket bats are good alternatives for willow bats due to their durability and versatility.

Flexible and bendable

They are flexible and bendable.

For this reason, bamboo is used to produce stunning furniture with curves that are hard to achieve with other wooden raw materials. 

Home and furniture designers can create products from bamboo which are unique and stunning like the bamboo bed frame, and outdoor and indoor light shades.

Strong and heavy

Bamboo strength to weight ratio is similar to oak or other hardwoods. However, bamboo splits when laminated to form a formidable layer. 

Bamboo furniture is reasonably stronger and heavier than those made from hardwood timbers. They are firm on the ground and will not wobble like the lighter pieces of furniture do. 

One example of a product that is strong and heavy is the bamboo outdoor furniture set.

Nice and smooth

Bamboo plants grow straight and produce a fine grain. For this reason, bamboo furniture has a nice and soft appearance.

What to know about bamboo furniture?

Giant timber bamboos

There are different types of bamboo plants. 

The most common ones used for making furniture are the giant timber bamboo. 

They are cut, split cleaned and dried. 

After that, the splits are tidied into fine strands and laminated to bamboo beams, panels, ply, veneer, lumber, etc.

General care

Though natural bamboo furniture is tough and durable, exposure to outdoor conditions can damage them. 

So, protect them by using some sort of cover or storing them indoors.

Ocassional maintenance

Bamboo indoor and outdoor furniture will require occasional dusting and maintenance. 

The indoor bamboo furniture will require cleaning with a wet cloth to clean the dust and cobwebs.

Whereas, the outdoor ones will definitely require occasional vanishing to make them look beautiful again.

Outdoor storage

Before buying, it is important to think about where you will keep the furniture during the winter or when they are not in use. 

There is no need to worry if you are going to place them in a designated area outdoor. 

But then, it is better to provide some sort of cover to protect them from the weather when you are not using them.

Conclusion

Bamboo furniture sets are adorable. Their durability, strength and appearance make them the best outdoor and indoor furniture. 

Their presence at home creates an atmosphere of calmness. Above all,  bamboo outdoor garden furniture is made of sustainable material, unlike trees and plastics.

How to use bamboo steamer basket?

The bamboo steamer basket is an ideal cookware for making fat-free food like dumplings and bao buns among many others. 

This method of cooking uses the heat from the steam to cook food, but what do you need and how can you use a bamboo steamer basket? 

The steamer is traditional Chinese cookware that is becoming popular as many people appreciate the freshness of steamed foods.

Find out how to use and clean bamboo steamer baskets

How to use a bamboo steamer basket

We've identified 5-star collections of bamboo steamer baskets sets on Amazon.

Things you need:

• Wok
• Bamboo steamer basket.
• Water.
• Heat.

How to use a bamboo steamer in 5 simplified steps

1. Line the trays

A bamboo steamer basket can have several layers depending on the types of food you want to cook. Use liners that allow steam to sieve through the bamboo trays. 

The ideal vegetable liners are cabbage and lattice leaves. You can also use porous cheesecloth or parchment paper. There is no need to use a liner if you place food on a plate. 

However, make sure there is sufficient free space, and the steamer’s lid is firmly shut, for the steam to permeate through the tray to cook the food.

2. Place food in the steamer

Most foods will expand while cooking in the steamer. 

Place them apart so that there are spaces in between them– do not pack them close together.

3. Add water into the wok

Add the right amount of water so that it does not reach the food when boiling, and it is not too low that the rim of the steamer gets burnt. 

The best way to get this balance right is to pre-heat water in the wok. As the water simmers, estimate the water level and how far it's likely to reach up the steamer and around its lower rim. 

A wok with a wide rim is best because it gives you good visibility of the water level when food is cooking in the steamer.

4. Place the bamboo steamer in the wok

Depending on how many bamboo trays you are using, place quick-cooking foods at the top, slow-cooking foods at the bottom, and others in between. 

For instance, some vegetables cook quicker than dumplings and buns. So, place the vegetables at the top and dumplings at the bottom. 

If you are using only one bamboo tray, there is no need to worry about layering. You can place the bamboo steamer straight on the simmering water.

5. Steam the food and monitor the water level

So, how long should you leave food steaming in your bamboo steamer? 

It depends on what you are cooking and how many bamboo steaming trays you are using. Follow the tip in step 4, remove the food in the top tray when it’s cooked until all the others are also cooked. 

Check the water at intervals. 

You may have to add more water to the wok. One top tip is NOT to add cold water as this disturbs the consistency at which food is cooking. 

Ideally, you want to ensure that the water is simmering all the time so that food is cooked consistently. 

Only add boiling water if (or when) the water gets too low on the wok. 

To remove food from the bamboo steamer tray, use a pair of tongs, scoops, or spoons. Be careful because the food will be steaming hot!

Check out Amazon for bamboo steamer baskets sets.

Why water level is important?

As mentioned in steps 3 and 5, monitor the water level from time to time, and ensure that the water reaches the lower rim of the bamboo steamer basket to prevent it from burning. 

The water level must be just right so that the rising boiling water does not reach the food. 

A wok is the best utensil to use with a bamboo steamer. It is thin and wide because water simmers and boils fast in a thin wok, and its wide rim can hold bamboo trays of different sizes. 

In addition, the wide base provides good visibility for monitoring the amount of water. The best alternatives for a wok are thin pans and pots with wide bases.

Buying a bamboo steamer basket

We've identified 5-star collections of bamboo steamer baskets sets on Amazon

When shopping for a bamboo steamer, the two main things to look for are the sizes of the wok and the raw materials used. 

A wider steamer will cook a lot of food, alternatively, you can buy several small steamers to cook the same amount of food, either way, steamer sizes do not really matter. 

What matters the most is the size of the wok because it will determine the size of the baskets to use. So, choose the wok carefully. 

Tradition demands that for food to taste great, the steamer has to be predominantly made of bamboo. 

However, some modern steamers have stainless steel added to them. In this case, it depends on your preference and how you are going to use, wash and clean, and store the cookware. 

Pros and cons of Bamboo Steamer baskets

Food tastes fresh when cooked in bamboo steamer baskets. 

In fact, there are some unique features of Chinese cookware that set it apart. The 5 main advantages are given below. Bamboo steamer baskets are/have:

• stackable.
• lightweight.
• sustainable.
• visually appealing.
• different cooking times.

There are two main disadvantages of bamboo steamer baskets. They absorb food odours and are often hard to clean after use. The former happens especially after steaming seafood or vegetables like broccoli or brussels sprouts. 

It can also be a concern if you are using flavoured stocks to steam foods. Also, the bamboo steamer baskets are often hard to clean. 

As you can imagine, the woven strips and sides can be difficult to get to and give it a really good clean. 

There are several suggestions about using lemon juice, vinegar and or warm soapy water to wash the smell off. 

But food odour is not an issue if you are selective about what food to cook in the steamer. If you want to avoid it, steam the food that is less likely to leave an odour behind.

How to clean a bamboo steamer basket

Cleaning bamboo steamer baskets is a delicate task. Here is the best way to clean the steamer baskets and washing liquids you can use.

How to clean a bamboo steamer basket

Do’s

• Wash with a sponge and dishwashing soap.
• Immediately rinse.
• Dry thoroughly.
• Air dry before storing.

Don’ts

• Soak it in water.
• Store when wet.
• Wash in the dishwasher.

Find out the best way to use bamboo steamer baskets.

Cleaning bamboo baskets is a delicate task, time is of the essence. Let the steamer cool down but do not leave it to dry out. 

While the steamer is still moist, give it a good rinse and dry it immediately. Warm soapy water is best for washing the baskets. 

You can also use lemon juice, vinegar or a combination of vinegar and soda. 

Make sure the steamer is completely dry before storing it in the cupboard to prevent mould from growing on the bamboo. 

Check out our wide collection of bamboo products on GBP.

Buying a bamboo steamer basket

We've identified 5-star collections of bamboo steamer baskets sets on Amazon

When shopping for a bamboo steamer, the two main things to look for are the sizes of the wok and the raw materials used. 

A wider steamer will cook a lot of food, alternatively, you can buy several small steamers to cook the same amount of food, either way, steamer sizes do not really matter. 

What matters the most is the size of the wok because it will determine the size of the baskets to use. So, choose the wok carefully. 

Tradition demands that for food to taste great, the steamer has to be predominantly made of bamboo. 

However, some modern steamers have stainless steel added to them. In this case, it depends on your preference and how you are going to use, wash and clean, and store the cookware. 

Pros and cons of Bamboo Steamer baskets

Food tastes fresh when cooked in bamboo steamer baskets. In fact, there are some unique features of Chinese cookware that set it apart. The 5 main advantages are given below. Bamboo steamer baskets are/have:

• stackable.
• lightweight.
• sustainable.
• visually appealing.
• different cooking times.

There are two main disadvantages of bamboo steamer baskets. They absorb food odours and are often hard to clean after use. The former happens especially after steaming seafood or vegetables like broccoli or brussels sprouts. 

It can also be a concern if you are using flavoured stocks to steam foods. Also, the bamboo steamer baskets are often hard to clean. 

As you can imagine, the woven strips and sides can be difficult to get to and give it a really good clean. 

There are several suggestions about using lemon juice, vinegar and or warm soapy water to wash the smell off. 

But food odour is not an issue if you are selective about what food to cook in the steamer. If you want to avoid it, steam the food that is less likely to leave an odour behind.

Bamboo bathroom product ideas and list

Using bamboo products in the bathroom will augment the introduction of tropical plants and any other efforts you make to reimagine this space as an exotic oasis.

To make matters even more appealing, bamboo products are often very reasonably priced because the wood material grows rapidly and it's easy to work with as a manufacturing resource. 

In addition, bamboo is highly water resistant and makes a perfect addition to virtually any bathroom format.

Home has its ambience. Why not have your tropical paradise at home. Bamboo is Eco-friendly and lightweight—a stunning and durable material.

Tropical Jewel Box Bathroom

Using a custom silk mural with bamboo, berries & birds, you can create an oasis in this tight powder room that feels anything but cramped. 

The vanity is adorned with classic details & gold trimmings for an elegant, Old World feeling.

 Natural Bamboo Soap Holder for Home Bathroom 

The Natural Bamboo Soap Holder Square & Round Soap Dishes for Home Bathrooms are the best storage solutions for small spaces.

10 Amazing Facts About Bamboo You Should Know

The evergreen hardy bamboo plants are becoming popular. Many people are concerned about the fast-growing nature of bamboo which is why they receive such a bad rap. 

They are amazing plants - here are 10 popular questions with answers about growing bamboo plants.

Two types of bamboo plants in the UK

Firstly, two common types of bamboo plants grow in the UK, clump-forming bamboo and running bamboo. 

Each has more than 10 - 20 varieties that do well in British weather.

To know the bamboo that is suitable for you, you must know the different varieties of bamboo and their features, because one variety does not fit all.

Some bamboos are better suited to pots and containers, whereas the others are best for outdoors.

10 facts about growing bamboo plants

1. Q. How fast does bamboo grow?

• A. Clump-forming bamboos tend to grow 30-60 cm (1 – 2 feet) taller each year.
• A. Running bamboos grow 90cm to 2m (3 – 6 feet) taller each year. They mature in height in just one growth year.

Do you know: A certain bamboo variety is known to be the fastest-growing plant, according to the Guinness World Records, growing at up to 91 centimetres (35 inches) per day.

2. Q. How tall does bamboo grow?

• A. Clump-forming Bamboo culms (stems) usually grow to 5m (15 feet) tall. These bamboo will grow and spread about the same distance.
• A. New shoots of Running Bamboo plants grow 90cm to2 m taller each year until it reaches the maximum height (~2m).

Do you know: A new bamboo shoot can reach its full height in less than 3 months and survive for 5 to 10 years?

3. Q. How far do bamboo roots (rhizomes) spread?

• A. Clump-forming bamboos: The rhizomes of clumping bamboos establish in 1 – 2 years. The new shoots are an indication of a well-established clump root system. The rhizomes can spread to 5 m around the parent plant.
• A. Running bamboos: This is an invasive variety. Its rhizomes spread pretty quickly, they can grow more than a metre in a year.

4. Q. Which bamboo is best for screening?

• A. The best bamboo for screening must be tall, grows lots of secondary branches, has dense evergreen foliage. It should, or at least, grow in both sun, part-shade and shade. Some varieties of Fargesia Murielae, also called the Umbrella Bamboos, are perfect for screening or for hedging.

5. Q. What kind of bamboo is best for the garden?

• A. Clumping bamboo varieties are great garden plants, they spread more slowly and gradually. In the garden, they can be used as ornamental or patio pot plants. Fargesia Simba and Pleioblastus Distichus are the best for garden centrepieces.

6. Q. Is bamboo legal in the UK?

• A. There are currently no restrictions on planting bamboo in the UK. The UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Updates 11 December 2014, now the Guidance to Invasive Non-native Plants) does not classify bamboo as an invasive species.

7. Q. Can bamboo grow in pots and containers?

A. You can grow both Running and Clumping bamboo plants in pots and containers. Their growth and duration are limited to the size of the pots and will require care or repotting after 3 – 5 years.

In-depth Answer: Here is an article we wrote about the Best Bamboos for Pots.

8. Q. Does bamboo grow in shade?

• A. Although most varieties of running and clumping bamboos like sunlight, they can also grow in shades. Some varieties of clump-forming bamboo plants are best for partial and full shaded areas. When planting a variety of clump-forming plants to grow in the share, ensure that the soil is well-drained.

9. Q. How much water does bamboo need?

• A. Old bamboo plants have natural water storage capacity through their hollow canes/culms and rhizomes (roots). Their deep roots and long canes will be able to store water and become drought resistant.
• A. New bamboo will need water to grow until the roots and culms are well established. Water generously, but not too much water to avoid waterlogging. Lack of water or too much water can kill them.

10. When is the right time to prune bamboo plants?

• A. Summer checks: In the Summer, the plants would have grown to full height, and the rhizomes have reached far and wide or packed in clumps. Prune the culms and rhizomes, but not an ideal time to grow or re-pot the bamboos they may not survive the cold in Winter.
• A. Spring checks: In the early Spring, the new shoots are an indication of how far the plants have grown and how healthy they are. This gives you an ideal opportunity to prune, re-pot or dig out the intruding rhizomes and canes.