Re: Using bamboo poles -- how long to wait?

Clearing out old messages and wanted to let you know that the 'experts'tell us
that bamboo culms/stems contain silica and as such it takes 3yrs for that
silica to mature to the hardened stage...Then they will endure much longer if
allowed to develope to full maturity..It is also a benefit to the stand  to
'harvest'these and keep the main stand strong and not too overcrowded.
Marge,I salute you and your wonderfully detailed articles...I have learned much
and enjoyed every word..Now if I just had more shade in my gardens :)
Connie

Marge Talt wrote:

> Nan,
>
> I regularly harvest my bamboo for use as stakes, etc.  I've found that it's
> not a matter of it re-sprouting, but of strength.  If you don't cure them
> until they are dry and turn yellow/beige, they won't stand up to being
> hammered into the ground; they'll bend and break.  When cured, bamboo has
> an amazing amount of strength.  You also have to wait to cut the stems
> until they have matured - too early in the season and they just go limp -
> now should be fine. IMarge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
> mtalt@clark.net
> Editor:  Gardening in Shade
> current article:  Planting Under Trees - Part 6; Special Pets
> http://www.suite101.com/frontpage/frontpage.cfm?topicID=222
> Gardening Topic Index for Suite101:
> http://www.suite101.com/userfiles/79/gardening.html
>
> >

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