Roses

Rose Gardening tip #1: Forget everything anyone told you about it being difficult and too much work. If you love having fresh roses from June to October you have to give it a try. (If you travel a lot, roses are not for you unless you have a faithful neighbor who will water and cut dead blooms)

Rose Gardening tip #2: When starting a rose garden for the first time don't invest a fortune. End of April through the end of May are the best time to find rose bushes in gallon containers. Go to Walmart, Home Depot or Lowes home improvement. Never pay more than $6 - 9 a bush. That way if it dies you won't be out a lot of money. Once you get the hang of it, then you can invest in an expensive rose bush if you want. The best thing to plant them in is Miracle Grow for Roses. (Pink dirt package) If you are planting in Clay, then dig a big deep hole, fill it 1/2 way with dirt, and plant your roses high. They like water but they do not like to sit in water.

Rose Gardening tip #3: Always prune dead blooms off so new ones will grow. You will want to cut them 1/4" above the branch with 5 leaves on it.

Rose Gardening tip #4: Sevin is the best spray for bugs and there are several good sprays for black spot and mildew (disease on roses) - Spray only once a week or as needed.

Rose Gardening tip #5: Miracle Grow plant food for roses works great. You only have to use it once a month.

Rose Gardening tip #6: Keep your roses well watered (once a week at a minimum)

Enjoy fresh blooming roses...

Wonderful Rose Resources:

American Rose Soc

Raleigh Rose Society

Charleston Rose Soc