Bamboo is exactly as advertised

Bamboo has found a following among eco conscious consumers. Everything from salad bowls to toothbrushes and underwear is being made from it. But is it sustainable? Or is it just more greenwashing?

The science is out!

Bamboo really is the magical cure–all it claims to be. The best time to plant bamboo was ten years ago. The second-best time is right now.

Bamboo can have an extremely positive effect on the environment, on a global scale, but also on a smaller, residential scale. Bamboo has many benefits and can form an excellent base plant for most garden styles and designs.

According to Agribook, these are the benefits of planting bamboo in South Africa:

“Benefits of Bamboo

• combats soil erosion
• reforests areas denuded of vegetation caused by demand for cooking fuel
• removes heavy metals and other pollutants from polluted water
• responds to climate change through carbon sequestration
• provides shade and creates windbreaks for food crops
• can be grown as a living fence to keep animals in or out
• provides food for humans in the form of shoots and animal fodder in the form of leaves
• assists in capturing water allowing it to percolate instead of flowing away
• can be planted as noise barriers and windbreaks
• develops greener more aesthetically pleasing settlements and a better living environment
• provides a habitat for wildlife and improved biodiversity
• contributes to economic development and creation of jobs at a local level
• increases environmental awareness through communities locally and from publicity nationally
• creates opportunities for communities to enter the New Green Economy and so creates rural wealth instead of the standard poverty relief programmes…”

Where will it grow?

Pretty much anywhere…Bamboo likes wet soil with good drainage – this means it’s a brilliant plant to fill the gaps in your garden where you might have issues with oversaturated ground. Bamboo also grows quickly and depending on the species, it can grow in shade, semi shade, or full sun.

Bamboo is a useful and easy to grow addition to your garden

Bamboo also has many handy and creative uses. Not only can it be a living wall, acting as a wind- and sound break for your residential garden, but because it grows so quickly you can harvest some of your own bamboo for fencing, crafts and even light construction and DIY. Plant yours now, so that it can develop strong roots for the dormant winter season.

By this time next year, you’ll be thanking yourself as you harvest your own bamboo for all those holiday projects and crafty plans!