No way to prevent rot, but it should last at least the season, if not longer.

We use lots of bamboo stakes in zone 7 northern Va. We get 2 years minimum from the poorest species, 3 and 4 years from the best varieties. Generally part underground rota off end of year one or two - above ground, if mature culm when harvested, still good and simply push it in a bit deeper (we leave them out all year long). If brought in, I could see them lasting 6 or 7 years. BIG issue is how old culms were when harvested. If they have aged to say 3 or 4, they have most silica and least starch and will last longest. Biggest problem for amateur is knowing age of culm they are cutting..... Peter (PeterKnop@yahoo.com)