PLANTING:
Remove the plant from the pot, being careful not to break loose any new culms that are
shooting.  If you are planting from a burlap-wrapped ball, you may cut the ties from the top,
but do not remove the burlap - it will decompose.  Set the plant into the hole at the same
height as it was planted in the pot or bag.

Back fill into the hole until the bamboo is half planted - then fill with water.  After it drains
away, fill the rest of the hole with dirt.  Create a mounded ring of soil around the top to hold
water and fill with water again.

STAKING TALL PLANTS:
You may need to stake tall or top-heavy plants for the first year.  This will keep it from rocking
in the wind and pulling up the root system.  Place three small stakes around the root ball and
secure with a non-abrasive tie about halfway up the culm.

WATERING:
Keep your newly planted bamboo moist - not soggy.  Make sure that the water is draining
properly.  Too much water will cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop.  Keeping your plant
moist the first year is essential for maximum growth.  Soaker hoses or drip irrigation works
well, however, bamboo loves to be sprayed with water whenever possible or during the hot
dry summer months.

If your bamboo is stressed or dry, the leaves will curl up.  If your ground is dry, please water.
If the ground is already moist, spray the leaves off.  This will happen when temperatures
are extremely high.

Remember that bamboo is an evergreen.  If you have planted in a container that is under
cover, you need to continue to water throughout the winter months.

FERTILIZING:
A root stimulator is recommended weekly for the first few weeks after planting.  This will help
establish the plant and reduce root shock.  A compost may be added to the top of your soil if
not mixed in with your soil preparation.  We do not recommend steer manure when first
planting.  A chicken compost works well.

A time-released lawn fertilizer should be added once a month during the summer months.
In August, you should add a lawn food "winterizer".  This will help the bamboo store energy
for optimum spring growth.

MULCHING:
Each fall you should mulch around your plant with 6-8 inches of bark chips, leaves or pine
needles.  This is very important the first year of planting.

A GOOD RULE OF THUMB IS THE OLD SAYING: "The first year they sleep, second year
they creep, and the third year they leap."

CONTROLLING RUNNING BAMBOOS:
The best method is rhizome pruning.  In late October, edge prune along the perimeter of
your bed.  Using a sharp flat-bladed shovel, cut in about 8-12 inches deep and remove
rhizomes outside the area.  You may dig a trench approximately 10 inches deep along your
borderline.Raised beds or berms are also a good choice for control of running bamboo.  The root systems only go down 1 to 2' and work their way upward.  You can easily root-prune at the
perimeter of the bed each fall to control their growth.

Bamboo Barrier
Use a 40 mil high-density, polyethylene barrier and trench it into the ground at least 22
inches.  We recommend using a 24" to 30" barrier, leaving at least a 2-3" lip above ground.
  Angle the barrier so that it slants outward a bit.  Overlap the barrier 1 to 2 feet at the seam
and seal with a plastic glue or a two-sided carpet tape on the outward side of the trench.
The rhizomes will try to go up and over the barrier.  You will need to cut them off and remove
them each fall.