Bamboo

[annedonnelly]

Has anyone harvested bamboo to make their own canes?

I've just cut a load from the plant that is escaping from the garden of the abandoned house down the bank. The article I found online implies that you can use them straightaway but I'd have thought they'd be better if allowed to dry out first. I've got them lying in greenhouse now. If the sun ever comes out it'll get warm in there.

If it works I'll have access to a lifetime's supply of garden canes

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Hi Anne, I haven't done it myself but I saw a few YouTube gardeners that have done it.
Yes, better to dry them first in case they root.
Do a wee search, you'll find several videos.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

And if you eat the shoots you'll turn into a Panda

 

[postman]

Dig it all out FAST it will spread and it can force its way through concrete,Yes, bamboo can be highly dangerous to property, primarily due to its aggressive underground root systems (rhizomes) that can spread extensively. These roots can travel several meters, penetrating mortar joints, drainage pipes, and concrete foundations, which can lead to structural damage, expensive removal costs, and property devaluation.

 

[annedonnelly]

Dig it all out FAST it will spread and it can force its way through concrete,Yes, bamboo can be highly dangerous to property, primarily due to its aggressive underground root systems (rhizomes) that can spread extensively. These roots can travel several meters, penetrating mortar joints, drainage pipes, and concrete foundations, which can lead to structural damage, expensive removal costs, and property devaluation.

It's nowhere near my house or any except the abandoned one. If the owners ever decide to make that habitable again they've a lot more to worry about than a large clump of bamboo

 

[PaulSB]

Dig it all out FAST it will spread and it can force its way through concrete,Yes, bamboo can be highly dangerous to property, primarily due to its aggressive underground root systems (rhizomes) that can spread extensively. These roots can travel several meters, penetrating mortar joints, drainage pipes, and concrete foundations, which can lead to structural damage, expensive removal costs, and property devaluation.

Don't believe everything you read on the web......or in the tabloids. Much of the above is a C&P from AI.

Whether a bamboo is invasive or not depends entirely on the species. I've grown two clump-forming species for 40+ years without a problem. Clumping bamboos are non-invasive and can be planted pretty much anywhere.

Running bamboos that spread by underground rhizomes can be highly invasive as described. They don't thrive in poor soils but in a sheltered position and moisture retentive soil they can spread very rapidly. Not many people have died.

 

[oxoman]

Be aware if you stick green cane in the ground there stands a chance it will sprout. Dry it out fully before using.

 

[Speicher]

And if you eat the shoots you'll turn into a Panda

The problems start if she eats, shoots and leaves.