bamboo shoots

[omidk]

Hello,

I was wondering if bamboo shoots would compost in a reasonable amount of time or if they take years to break down. The leaves look kinda waxy to me so I am not sure. I am sure the stems would take forever to decompose.

I have to find something to do with this stuff growing all over my yard

[applestar]

Use them as plant supports? Use to mulch walkways/paths?

[omidk]

I guess as mulch they would work pretty well.

I guess I was asking more if they would decompose in a compost heap in several months similar to the weeds, kitchen waste etc that is already in my compost pile.

[shadowsmom]

My husband ran some bamboo through the chipper and added it to the compost pile. I ended up digging the pieces out 2 years later. It didn't breakdown at all. I wonder if young bamboo would possibly breakdown easier than older shoots. The old wood he used didn't even breakdown well in the chipper. Personally I wouldn't add it again to compost.

[The Helpful Gardener]

Thanks SM; I didn't have a good answer, but that's the beauty of THG; somebody always does...

HG

[omidk]

Thanks for the tip!

I will only use it as mulch!