Growing roses isn’t difficult. It just takes some tender
loving care.
Plant roses in a location which gets full sunlight.
Roses should be pruned in the spring. Cut out dead and
damaged branches. Always sharpen the hand shears and soak
them in a solution of half water and half bleach before
pruning. This will helps to protect the rosebush from
diseases and insects.
Mulch the rosebush with wood chips, pine needles, grass
clippings or other organic mulch. The mulch keeps in
moisture, keeps weeds from growing, and helps to prevent
diseases.
Protect roses during the winter months by adding a few
extra inches of soil to the base of your roses.
Fertilize roses regularly. Kelp is an excellent natural
fertilizer. Stop fertilizing one month before expected
frost date.
Water roses deeply once a week at the roots and prevent
getting the leaves wet. Wet foliage invites fungal
diseases. Alternatives place a drip or soaker hose around
the rosebush and cover with mulch. Water in the morning for
best results.
Roses need to be planted in soil that provides good
drainage. If not possible then plant roses in raised beds.
Allow at least one foot of space between the rosebushes for
good air circulation. This too helps to prevent disease.
For insect pests a good natural insecticide is Neem Seed
Oil. It is also good at helping to defeat fungi. In severe
cases use an insecticidal soap or chemical pesticide.
Aphids are the most common rose pest. Simply wash the
rosebush with a blast of soapy water from a hose. This will
knock the aphids off.
Japanese beetles are the second most common enemy. At the
first sign of them apply insecticides and continue on a
regular basis. Garlic plants and sprays are organic
techniques to help keep the beetles away.
For more information about growing roses visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/rosetips.htm
Copyright: 2006 Marilyn Pokorney
You may retrieve this article by:
Autoresponder: rosetips@getresponse.com
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/rosetips.txt
REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish
this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter,
ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it
remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author
information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use
this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).
Please leave the resource box intact with an active link,
and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the
article appears to author.
ZZZZZZ
