How to Grow, Harvest & Use Bamboo in Permaculture

Bamboo is one of the most versatile plants in the world, offering food, building materials, mulch, animal forage, windbreaks, craft material and much more. In this video, Geoff explains bamboo’s rapid growth cycle, when to harvest it for food and timber, how to manage running vs. clumping bamboo, and where to include it in a productive permaculture system.

Key Takeaways:

Bamboo is a fast-growing renewable resource that can grow from bottom to top in 6 to 8 weeks.
Young bamboo shoots can be harvested as an edible starch crop when they first emerge from the ground.
Mature bamboo canes are best harvested around the fourth year, when they reach their highest density for timber.
Bamboo provides multiple yields, including food, building material, mulch, animal forage, hedging, craft material and wind protection.
Running bamboo and clumping bamboo need different management, but both can be controlled and harvested productively.
Bamboo is excellent for erosion control, flood mitigation and stabilizing dam walls, roadsides and water-sensitive areas.
Bamboo windbreaks can shelter crops, animals and campsites while helping redirect cold air and damaging winds.
Bamboo clumps create habitat and microhabitat for birds, insects, soil life and small animals.
Bamboo grows best where there is moisture and fertility, making placement and climate an important part of the design.