If you want maximum return on your bed of roses, four important
requirements should be taken into consideration:
(1) selection of the rose varieties,
(2) location of the planting bed,
(3) soil preparation, and
(4) consistent care.
When choosing roses, always favor those adapted to your growing region. There are
plenty of roses to choose from, some of which are bound to become new favorites. The
selection process is a very important step in the creation of a successful rose garden. By
choosing naturally vigorous roses, very willing to grow in your area, you will
dramatically decrease the amount of care they require.
A small bed of roses can function as the focal point of a yard, but don't let design
considerations blind you to roses' specific needs. In the main, roses require a location
that's sunny at least six hours a day. Ideally, the location should provide good air
circulation and receive morning sun to help dry off leaves early in the day. Too much
shade encourages disease problems. If the shade is produced by mature trees, their
extensive root systems will rob nutrients from the roses, a situation that results in few
flowers and weak plants.
Once you have outlined the shape of the rose bed, it's time to improve the soil--before
planting the roses. Because roses are rather finicky about soil, it's a good idea to have
your soil tested. Some large nurseries and most university extension services will do this
for a nominal charge. Once the soil analysis is complete, you will know exactly what
should be added to the soil and in what amount. This is not the time for skimping. Any
extra effort you put into advance preparation will pay off in superior results for years
to come.
Standard care includes watering, fertilizing, protecting against pests and diseases, and
pruning. Roses need regular applications of water for top production of flowers. It makes
no difference whether the water comes from a hose or from rain. Just make sure the roses
receive enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 18 inches every week during the
growing season. The easiest way to check this is with a long screwdriver or stiff piece of
wire, such as a straightened-out coat hanger. Either device will be easy to push through
moist soil, more difficult once it hits dry soil. In arid summer climates, consider
watering your roses with a drip system that is connected to a timer.
At least two applications of fertilizer should be made, once when new growth first starts
in the spring and again in midseason. Favor non-burning, natural formulations that feed
the soil as well as the plant. Vigorously growing roses will be far less susceptible to
attack from pests and diseases than those that are struggling. There are effective natural
controls for virtually every pest known to plague roses. If you know of diseases that are
a problem in your area (such as black spot, rust, and mildew), use a natural fungicide to
combat the problem before it occurs. Diseases are impossible to eradicate once they make
an appearance, although they can be stopped from doing additional damage.
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