Drying, storing fresh cut bamboo

[fffarmboy]

Hi fffarmboy here.
I have just inherited 3 or 4 large bamboo plants on my farm and I'm keen to not waste it.
Most is growing between my pear trees , and so I cut a lot this morning to give some air to the pear pruning.
But i like the stuff and there seems (here) to be a thing going on with bamboo that I could learn and follow.
So I' m all ears to positive suggestions guys.
Should I store the stuff I cut today indoors, upright, flat , take leaves off or not.

Cheers,
fff.
yes I did get a nasty cut, initiation ? right?

[Mark Meckes]

Hi fffarmboy,
Sorry to hear about the cut :(
Yes, bamboo will bite back if not handled with a great deal of respect
.
There's quite a lot involved in harvesting and processing bamboo.
Check out some of the Thread topics in the Harvesting Bamboo / Grove Management (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=153) Forum.

As your initial objective is to maintain your bamboo and provide some air space for your pear trees, you will undoubtably be 'harvesting' all sorts and qualities of bamboo - Maybe some will be too young and immature and other culms may be too old and breaking down, ... though there are applications, for example seasonal garden stakes etc where some of this material could be used.

There's no definitive "One Way" to dry and store bamboo, though generally it is best to initially store it in an upright position to enable the circulation of air between the poles.
Sometimes the poles can be first stacked in an an upright position at the grove or suitable location, and branches and leaves left on to draw out moisture and starch from the culms ... sometimes not.

What is your current season? rainy or dry? Winter, spring, summer?

Do you know the species of bamboo?
This is an important factor regarding both the drying and uses of your bamboo.

If you are able to take photos of the bamboo, please do upload them with your post and maybe we can help to identify the species.
(Click 'Manage Attachments') below the message text box.

There is much to learn about caring for your bamboo and putting the material to various uses, but it begins with a keen interest which you have :)

Look forward to sharing the learning experience with you.

Cheers,

Mark

[fffarmboy]

It's rainy winter here and cccold .No digi camera at the mo tho, thanks for yr reply.
fff