How do you plant bamboo?

Keep the roots of bamboo plants moist while preparing the planting space. Dig out the soil and add a layer of compost. Spread the roots before placing the plants in the hole and covering them with soil. Create a barrier around plants to prevent spreading.

1. Keep the roots damp

   If planting bare-root bamboo, place the roots in a plastic bag and cover with peat moss while preparing the planting bed. Add water to keep the moss and roots damp while you work.

2. Dig the hole

   Dig a hole larger than the root ball you are planting. Use a garden fork to break up the soil at the bottom of the hole.

3. Add compost

   Add garden compost to the bottom of the hole and mix it with the loosened soil. Mix more compost with the soil removed from the hole.

4. Place the plants

   After removing the plastic bag, place the bamboo in the hole. Add soil to ensure the plants are no deeper in the new hole than they grew naturally. Fill the hole with the soil and compost mix. Pack the soil into place.

5. Provide water

   Water the bamboo plant regularly until it is established. Make sure the plant receives about 1 inch of water per week.

6. Prevent invasive spread

   Many species of bamboo become invasive due to the runners the plants produce. Prevent the spread by installing a plastic or slate barrier. If plants appear outside the barrier, use a sharp spade to trim the roots around it annually. Clump-type bamboo does not spread and can be used by those that worry about spreading.