Rose gardening is one of the most challenging forms of gardening. They say one has to have green thumb to grow roses successfully. It is true that rose gardening requires several tasks and maintenance but this should not discourage you from starting your own rose garden. Read on and follow the tips below on growing roses.
Before you begin rose gardening, you have to decide what type of roses you want to grow in your garden. You have to decide whether you are going to have pre-packed, bare-root or container-grown roses.
Bare-root roses should be planted when the frosts are over and the soil is warm. They are often sold during winter and early spring. Pre-packaged roses are bare-root plants that are placed in a box with some sawdust around the roots to retain moisture.
Container-grown roses, as the name implies, are grown in containers. They are prepared to be either budding or in bloom for the early spring.
Rose gardening is just like the other types of growing plants. You have to make sure that you have a nice location and a healthy soil. Check if the area where you will grow your roses has good drainage and is getting enough sunlight. When planting, do not overcrowd your roses. Give them enough space to grow.
Cut off any dead leaves, damaged roots and shoots before planting your roses. For bare-root roses, you have to restore moisture in the roots before planting by soaking them for 10-12 hours in water. The soil should also be watered as well. Applying mulch or compost on the soil is a good idea as roses need extra nutrients.
Roses also need the things that other plants need in order to survive; it is just that they need more of them and require proper timing. For instance, you need to apply fertilizer in your rose garden in early summer and discontinue application in early fall.
It is important that you follow instructions carefully when using fertilizer so you will not over-fertilize your plants. Water the plants after every fertilizer application. Watering your roses two times a week should be enough.
Pruning is also very important in rose gardening. Removing the dried leaves encourages healthy growth of your plants and produces healthier leaves. Pruning methods vary for different types of roses so you better make a little research on how to prune the variety of rose that you grow in your garden.
Rose gardening is not just for experienced gardeners. Just always remember that the key to successful growing of roses is for you to devote extra care and attention to your plants. It is a very rewarding endeavor especially when you see your roses bloom everywhere in your garden.