- 1). Select a planting location for the bamboo grove. This should be an area that receives ample amounts of direct sunlight daily. While golden bamboo will grow in deep forests, it fares much better when it's exposed to several hours of direct sunlight. The soil should be well-drained. Bamboo requires moist soil, but cannot tolerate being in swampy or marshy ground.
- 2). Prepare an area to plant the bamboo by installing root barriers around the outside perimeter to prevent invasive behaviors. Burying fiberglass or dense polypropylene panels about 2 to 3 feet deep around the perimeter of the bamboo field will usually suffice. Deep stream beds and gravel or paved driveways also help to prevent spreading in those directions. When golden bamboo becomes established it can easily spread out of control. These barriers will help protect the surrounding area.
- 3). Dig the soil in the bamboo grove area, turning the soil with a shovel and removing any large rocks, roots and debris. Add a 2- to 4-inch layer of composted materials to the soil. Till the soil with a shovel or tiller to mix in the compost.
- 4). Cut a large knot of rhizome from an existing plant with a sharp knife or shovel. It should include two or three off-shoots and several pieces of root. Alternatively, purchase some ready-to-plant rhizomes from a bamboo retailer or a more mature plant from a nursery.
- 5). Dig holes roughly 5 feet apart if you're planting for a privacy hedge, or 15 feet apart when planting for groves. The holes should be a few inches larger than the size of the rhizomes, or twice the size of an existing root ball for larger bamboo plants.
- 6). Pour water into each hole immediately before planting. Bury the rhizome root-side down in the ground and cover it with 1/2 inch of soil. If you're planting a mature bamboo, allow some of the root ball to remain out of the soil. Tamp down the soil around each plant as it's being placed to secure the roots and remove any air pockets.
- 7). Water the plants well and allow the water to drain off. Water every few days or as necessary to keep the soil moist. Do not over-water. The soil should remain moist but not wet. Fertilization will not be necessary until the plants are established for more than a year.
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