Would you buy these?

Usingmyrights · #1 08/07/12, 12:57 PM

I've got lots if running bamboo at my house. Most of it isn't really big, but I think the stalks would make perfect tomato stakes or tripods for beans if lashed together. Would this be something you would buy at a farmer's market and what would you pay for them. For the stakes, I'd clean all of the leaves off of the bamboo, cut to length and let them dry. I could sell them by the piece, but think hat bundling them would be better. For the tripod, Im think make them about 6-7 high and include a few extra poles to tie to it for more runners to climb on. Not looking to make any real money off of this, but figure it would be an easy way to offer another product and maybe make a few bucks.

KaiserW · #2 08/07/12, 01:50 PM

my local homedepot sells them, about 6-7 5' tall peices per bag. i think the bag was about 4 or 5 dollars. they are thin about 1/2" in diameter, 4-5 feet long.

pancho · #3 08/07/12, 01:51 PM

They don't last long and are not very strong. Not something I would buy.

PD-Riverman · #4 08/07/12, 01:59 PM

I think you are "polling" the wrong people----most of this group probably would rather go cut their own---Now the non-homsteading persons would probably jump on a bundle of them. So I think you can sell them----but not to most of us---LOL. I do not think you will sell much Ice to a Eskimo but you sure can sell Millions of bucks worth to non-Eskimo's. Just My Opinion.

Usingmyrights · #5 08/07/12, 02:00 PM

KW - So do you think that 10 for $5 or 6 for $3 would be a decent price?

Pancho - What if they were sealed to make them last longer? I know that bamboo is fairly strong so I'm not sure what size you've dealt with before. Maybe it was to small for the job?

KaiserW · #6 08/07/12, 02:06 PM

i probably wouldn't buy them again, my wife bought them for pole beans.
they held up well but i have other (free) means of holding up my beans.

Ravenlost · #7 08/07/12, 02:09 PM

Every year at my mom's annual community yard sale she sells them as fast as we can cut them. We always start the yard sale with plenty already cut, but usually sell out and by the second day are having to cut more.

So yes...they sell like hotcakes!

7thswan · #8 08/07/12, 03:05 PM

I'd buy them. And I would also buy short thick ones with the bottom cut on an angle. I use boards cut like that for my Dahlias and other flowers. Bamboo looks nicer than wood stakes.Teepees are also nice with vines wrapped around the wire used for Joins, looks more natural. Make some big ones,let beans grow on them and take a picture for next year(advertising) to sell-they make a fun Teepee to interest kids in Gardening.
ps. Bamboo lasts for years here.

Paumon · #9 08/07/12, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Usingmyrights

- What if they were sealed to make them last longer? I know that bamboo is fairly strong so I'm not sure what size you've dealt with before. Maybe it was to small for the job?

You could do that if you want to put extra work into it but it's not necessary. Just tell your buyers to be sure to take up the bamboo stakes at the end of the growing season and store them away in a dry place over winter. As long as they're not allowed to sit outside exposed to wet soil and winter elements (that causes them to rot) they can be re-used for years and years. I have been using the same bamboo stakes now for going on 10 years, I store them in the shed over winter.

pancho · #10 08/07/12, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Usingmyrights

KW - So do you think that 10 for $5 or 6 for $3 would be a decent price?

Pancho - What if they were sealed to make them last longer? I know that bamboo is fairly strong so I'm not sure what size you've dealt with before. Maybe it was to small for the job?

The reason I wouldn't buy them is I can walk out my back door and cut all I want. If they are not dried correctly they won't last.

sirquack · #11 08/07/12, 03:56 PM

I just wish I could grow them here in Iowa as I have plenty of uses for them. I would buy them at the price you mentioned and would not blink doing so. To me that is a pretty good deal.

Usingmyrights · #12 08/07/12, 04:13 PM

Obviously this isn't aimed at those that can get them for free. This is for those that can't. For those that can't, what would you price them at and how long should I cut them for stakes?

7thswan · #13 08/07/12, 05:09 PM

For stakes I cut an 8' board in half.

Sonshine · #14 08/07/12, 06:17 PM

We grow bamboo and use them for beans ect. I like the way they work.

Callieslamb · #15 08/07/12, 07:59 PM

I'd buy them but they always cost more than I want to spend.

blooba · #16 08/08/12, 08:33 AM

I have used them before, they last a little while, i would think if you dipped them in a shellac they would last alot longer.

Mine probably weren't dried properly either.

fishhead · #17 08/08/12, 09:21 AM

Some muskrat trappers use them in marshes. I think they pay $.75 plus shipping.

frankva · #18 08/08/12, 10:02 AM

Farm store here sells them. 4' to 10'. They were priced 0.50 to 1.75.

I cover the top end with electric tape, store them inside. I try to keep the bottom out of the ground. They will curve some and crack some, but they last well for me.

The 10' ones get snapped up here. I would charge $3 for those.

Usingmyrights · #19 08/08/12, 10:52 AM

It sounds like my pricing is about on par with those mentioned. Looks like some people are also wanting bigger pieces than I originally thought that people would. I'm definitely going to have to give this a try and see how it goes.

Amaranthus · #20 08/08/12, 11:03 AM

Have not grown my own bamboo but I have been told by someone who does that the age at which you cut it is important. Each stick must be in its second year to have any strength. If you cut it in the first year it looks the same size but is weaker and does not last.