Bamboo is a lovely plant that can be used in many ways. It looks great in gardens and other outdoor areas. When you grow bamboo in a custom planter box, you can show off its pretty leaves and make your yard or patio stand out. Making your own bamboo planter boxes is another fun weekend project that you can change to fit your space and style. We will show you everything you need to know to make the best planter box for your bamboo in this detailed guide.
Choosing the Right Bamboo Variety
The first step is selecting the right type of bamboo for growing in a container While there are over 1,000 species of bamboo, not all are well-suited to being confined in a planter box Avoid running bamboo varieties which are aggressive spreaders. Focus on compact clumping bamboo that grows in tidy clumps without spreading invasively. Some top choices include
- Golden Goddess – A clumping bamboo growing 6-10 feet tall. Features lush green leaves with yellow accents.
- Alphonse Karr – Another clumper reaching 10-15 feet. Has attractive green/yellow striped canes.
- Dwarf Buddha Belly – A petite variety growing just 3-6 feet. Known for its unique swollen stems.
- Fargesia Robusta – A clumping bamboo that can reach 10-12 feet. Has a neat, tidy habit.
Choose a type that does well in your area and fits in the space you have. Most types prefer warm conditions and full sun.
Design Considerations for Your Planter Box
When planning your DIY bamboo planter box, keep these key design factors in mind:
Size – Bamboo needs ample room for its root systems. Pick a box that is at least 2 to 3 feet wide and deep for one plant. Size up accordingly for multiple plants.
Drainage: Make sure the bottom has drainage holes and think about adding a layer of gravel. Bamboo hates wet soil.
Materials – Opt for rot-resistant wood like cedar and redwood which can withstand moisture. Or get creative with metal, concrete or ceramic.
Style – Customize with bamboo accents like slats or poles. Add shelves, wheels or decorative tiles to match your vision.
Gathering the Right Materials
Building a planter box is straightforward with these supplies:
- Cedar or redwood boards
- Exterior wood screws
- Power drill
- Saw (chop saw, jigsaw, handsaw)
- Sandpaper
- Bamboo poles or slats (optional)
- Gravel or rocks for drainage
Cedar and redwood resist decay naturally. For added protection, apply an outdoor wood sealer once constructed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to construct your bamboo planter box:
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Cut boards to size. A basic box uses four panels for the sides.
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Pre-drill corners to prevent splitting. Use exterior screws to connect the boards in a box shape.
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Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper. Wipe away excess sawdust.
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Drill large drainage holes in the bottom panel. Add pebbles/gravel for drainage.
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Apply wood glue and attach bamboo accents like poles or slats (optional).
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Allow wood sealer to fully dry before planting, if using.
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Fill bottom with quality potting mix. Transplant bamboo at its original depth.
Caring for Bamboo in a Container
To keep your bamboo thriving in its new planter box, provide proper care:
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Water regularly, keeping soil consistently moist but not soaked.
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Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Prune away any dead or damaged stems and thin dense clumps for air circulation.
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Repot in a larger container every 2-3 years as the plant outgrows its space.
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Protect from frost and reduce watering in winter.
With the right growing conditions, bamboo makes a gorgeous addition to any planter box.
Creative Design Ideas for DIY Bamboo Planters
Beyond a simple wooden box, get creative with these planter ideas:
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Stacked stone planter for an organic look. Use mortar to secure flat stones.
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Rustic galvanized tub or tank for a farmhouse vibe. Let bamboo contrast with the metal.
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Concrete bowl or box for modern elegance. Pick a sleek, minimalist shape.
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Ceramic or terracotta pot for an Asian flair. Add painted patterns or etchings.
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Repurposed wine barrel laid on its side. Cut in half lengthwise to create a long rectangular design.
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Tiered planter with staggered levels and platforms of various heights.
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Add casters to make a mobile planter box that can be moved around.
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Incorporate mini water features like small ponds or fountains for tranquility.
With a DIY planter box specifically tailored for bamboo, you can highlight the beauty of this plant in any outdoor space or garden. Get creative with shapes, materials, and accents to match your personal style. With the right care and growing conditions, bamboo will thrive for years of enjoyment.
How to Make Your Own DIY Planter Boxes
Square or rectangular wooden planters are pretty simple to make. Building them yourself is a cost-effective option as large planters are often expensive to buy.
In this video, you’ll see how Matthew makes a stunning wooden planter for his bamboo plants. He lines the planter with mesh and leaves drainage holes in the bottom to keep the soil from running out.
What are Bamboo Planter Boxes and How Do You Use Them?
A bamboo planter box can be made from any box that’s large and sturdy enough to accommodate your new bamboo. Popular choices of materials include:
Unless you find a planter that’s super strong you might want to avoid plastic containers. Often the roots of your bamboo plant will push against the planter. Plastic planters may give up the fight and crack under the pressure.
Bamboo likes water, but it doesn’t like to be waterlogged. So any planter you choose should be able to provide adequate drainage.
Choosing a planter that has short legs is a good idea too. That way it’s easy for any excess water to drain away from the roots. And if the roots start to poke through the bottom of the planter you can trim them back.
Another thing to think about is the height of your plant. Bamboo caught in the wind can often cause lighter containers to topple over. On windy or exposed sites make sure pots are weighty enough to keep your bamboo upright.
Bamboo likes fertile soil with good aeration and drainage. Use good quality potting soil where possible. Add some stones or old pot chippings at the bottom of the planter to provide extra drainage if you have them.
How To Build a Raised Box for Bamboo Container Growing
FAQ
How deep should a planter box be for bamboo?
For most clumping bamboo varieties suited to containers, the minimum pot depth is 30cm, although larger plants may require 50cm or greater depth for robust root growth. The pot width is also significant – around 30-40cm diameter gives adequate root space without taking up excessive room on balconies or patios.
Can bamboo grow in a planter box?
Bamboo can typically be grown in most containers for 3-7 years, depending upon container, plant(s) selection and growing conditions.
What is the best planter material for bamboo?
Choose a strong, sturdy container that will act as an impenetrable barrier for the bamboos roots. The roots of running bamboos in particular can break through almost anything so a metal or a robust wooden planter is really the only option for running varieties. Plastic pots are definitely out of the question.
What is the best container for indoor bamboo plants?
Avoid using thin walled plastic pots. The use of a thick walled, concrete, timber or clay pot will protect the soil and roots, reducing the overall stress on the bamboo plant.
How to build a bamboo planter box?
Bamboo poles are the main material for building a bamboo planter box. They can be purchased at many home improvement stores, garden centers, or online. The size and quantity of bamboo poles needed depend on the size of the planter box. Typically, 2-inch diameter bamboo poles are used for the upright walls of the planter box. 2. Wood boards.
How long does it take to build a bamboo planter?
This unique planter will probably take a couple of days to build, but it’s worth it. The bamboo is beautiful, especially when your vining plants incorporate with the trellis. Put several of these planter trellises together and you have a living privacy screen. Complete, detailed how to make a wooden planter box instructions are here.
What are the best bamboo planter boxes?
Our favorite bamboo planter boxes come from Bamboo Garden: the Sugi Bamboo Planters. These planters are something special with their trapezoidal shape, designed specifically for bamboo. They are made by hand from a mix of high-quality Japanese and Western Red Cedar, and a strong 60 mil HDPE Bamboo Barrier is added to the inside.
How to build a planter box?
Once you have all the materials, you can start building the box. To start assembling the box, you’ll need to cut the plywood to size. Cut the plywood into four pieces, two for the sides and two for the ends. The size of the plywood will depend on how big you want your planter box to be. Next, cut the 4×4 posts to size.
How do you care for a bamboo planter box?
Water regularly: Bamboo needs consistent moisture to grow properly. Be sure to water your bamboo planter box regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Fertilize occasionally: Bamboo can benefit from periodic fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow.
How to choose a bamboo planter?
The more room your planter provides, the better your bamboo will thrive and the healthier it will be. Not only is it important to pick the right species, but it’s also important to pick the right pot for that species. If you picked a tall plant, make sure that your planter is heavy enough to prevent your plants from being blown away.