Tips for Growing Beautiful Roses

by: Marilyn Pokorney

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.