Simple Steps to Growing Roses
Roses are in my opinion the ‘queen of flowers’. It’s amazing how roses are used so widely especially on valentine’s day where we see them in great abundance as lovers express their love for each other by either buying a single rose or a rose arrangement. But whatever the occasion, these exotic flowers are loved by millions around the world. The story is told of a farmer’s wife who grew roses because of her love for them and the story goes on to say when asked about pruning her rose bushes she exclaimed that she would “rather chop off one of her chicken’s head than to cut a flower from her rose bush”. That is loving roses to the highest extremity.
These wonders of nature come in an array of colors. I have seen so many roses in my lifetime and the colors were just out of this world. Just to behold such beauty that nature has to offer. Even though we admire these exotic plants as other plants rose also need their share of tender loving care to be able to produce the kinds of flowers that are of the highest quality and in such great quantity.
So then we will be looking at how to grow and care for roses in order to reap the benefits they offer.
Growing Roses
When planting roses it is best to use good garden soil. Plant your rose bush in a sunny location and be sure to give your rose bush lots of space to grow. Make sure when you dig the hole, it is two times that of the root ball in width. The reason for this to make sure the roots have space to run. This will assist the rose bush in becoming established more easily and faster.
Roses don’t like wet feet so if your roses are planted in poor soil the excess water will not drain off, the roots of your plant will begin to rot because of fungus, so it’s a good idea to place some stones in the planting hole first (about one to two inches will do) add good garden soil about two to three inches, then you are clear to add your plant to the hole and backfill with more of that good garden soil.
Watering Methods
Make sure that when you water you give the rose plant a good soaking, shallow watering will not do. Especially during the summer months, you may have to water more often to keep your rose bush growing nice and healthy.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew on roses looks like white powder. This is a fungal disease that attacks the rose plant. This disease may also spread to the stems of your plant. This fungal disease has been known to deform the leaves of rose bushes. One of the common causes of powdery mildew is planting the plants too close to each other. Because of this there is poor air circulation so make sure that each rose bush is planted at least 4 feet apart.
Another reason why powdery mildew forms are when the days are warm, dry and night time is cool and humid. Also due to watering plants at the wrong time of day. It is advisable to water in the morning and not in the evening. Water at ground level and not from the top of the plant because watering too late in the evening and from the top of the plant can cause water to settle on the leaves of the plant and not dry out in time.
Treatments
Here are some treatments you can use to bring about the desired results. Read the labels to see how to apply, remembering to follow directions to the letter. Or you can make your own homemade remedy.
You will need a spray bottle and Ivory liquid soap. Add 2 teaspoons of baking soda along with 1/2 teaspoon of liquid soap in two quarts of water then pour the mixture into your spray bottle and shake thoroughly. Apply to rose bush making sure that the spray comes out fine and misty. Wait for about seven days. If you have to repeat another application then do so until you get your desired result.
And remember if you follow these steps your rose bush will continue to bloom for years to come.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Thanks for those words and for the follow. This website is still under construction so my plan is to go back and make what ever clean up that needs to be made. Thanks again and have a great day.
Roses are the queen of flowers! They are a symbol for love, for beauty! I agree with your post. I love roses! I have a black thumb when it comes to growing roses. I don’t know what I do wrong, but I can never seem to keep them alive. I will bookmark this post and try again. I am going to buy some knock-down roses which I think are so pretty. Wish me luck!
Hello Matt’s Mom it is so good to meet you thanks for the follow, glad that you enjoyed my post. and i wish you the best of success you can do it, I know that you can. Be sure and drop me and e-mail to let me know how your rose garden is going and please do share this website with family and friends again thanks a million and have a good day.