bamboo stakes

how long do you have to leave fresh cut bamboo before using it for stakes?

tiG, I use it right away. It won't root that way so no worry there if that is what you are asking. With golden bamboo, a friend likes it to turn yellow before she uses it since she likes a uniform look in her flower beds. My flower beds are never going to be uniform so I don't worry about that either.

hehe mine either! but DSIL was certain it would root if I stuck it in the ground, thanks for the info!!

nope, the only way they will root is from roots and even then some can be hard to get started. I know from experience. sigh

Bonnie, my experience with bamboo is that bamboo I cut in the Spring-early Summer rotted within 2 years. The first bamboo I cut for my trellis and gates was cut in early Fall the previous year, and most of it is still viable after 5 years.

There must be many places near you along creek beds where you could cut stakes?

thanks darius. I have a friend of a friend that I can get some from but it's all huge, 3-4" round. But it's better than nothing:)

That's the size I used for my "posts" in the arbor. It was quite tall (close to 40'), and thin enough at the tops to make "pickets".

I looked for cheap, strong waxed twine for lashing bamboo, and found this from an electronics company.

Now I'm told that they no l;onger carry it. If anyone figures out how to order it driect from Coast North America, please post the method!

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Good quality, VERY strong waxed twine. The price was great, but shipping was high:

9 PLY WAXED POLY TWINE 335 YARDS
Part No: 70-50448
$6.24

1,000 feet for $6.24 would be less than 2 cents per yard,
but I paid $12.87 shipping & handling for 4 spools (Texas to Seattle area).
With shipping, 3 cents per yard.

http://www.milestek.com/search.asp?skw=waxed twine
salesinfo@milestek.com

MilesTek Corporation
1506 Interstate 35 W
Denton, TX 76207-2402

Tel: (940) 484-9400
Free: (800) 958-5173
Fax: (940) 484-9402


This message was edited Nov 3, 2011 1:52 PM

I used waxed line for repairing fish nets, but it's been so long I don't remember the price.

This might be too thick for that purpose, and stronger than necessary.

I wish I could find something just like mine but about 1/2 as thick and half the price - say 4-5 ply instead of 9-ply.

Dental floss works for me.