Over the years, roses have been labelled difficult to grow and maintain, and not for the beginner gardener. If rose gardening is something you were thinking of getting into in the garden, don't let these rumours stop you.
Our growing roses for dummies guide is a good place to start. While rose gardening can prove to be challenging, once you get the hang of it, it really isn't that bad.
So, growing roses for dummies - here goes.... When you first start rose gardening, you will first have to choose what type of rose you wish to plant, and no, I'm not just talking about the colour.
You will have to choose between bare-root, pre-packaged, and container-grown roses. Bare-root roses are sold in the winter and early spring. They should be planted as soon as frosts are over and the ground is warm and workable. Pre-packaged roses are bare-root plants that are sold in a bag or box with something around the roots to retain moisture, such as sawdust. Container-grown roses are grown; you guessed it, in containers. They will be either budding or already in bloom when they become available in the early spring.
That is the first part of the growing roses for dummies guide complete, now on to the next stage - planting.
Rose garden planting is not too dis-simular than planting other types of plant. The most important thing, as always, is good, healthy soil and a prime planting area. It doesn't matter whether your roses are bare-root or containergrown, the planting methods are the same as any other shrub. Make sure the spot you choose has good drainage, gets plenty of sunlight, and will not overcrowd your roses. Before planting, any dead leaves and thin or decayed shoots need to be cut off. Any damaged or very long roots also need to be trimmed. Soak bare-root roses in water about 10-12 hours to restore moisture in the roots before planting and water the soil before planting as well. Make sure the hole you have dug is large enough for the root growth of the rose. Also it is a good idea to use compost or mulch. After all, roses like extra nutrients just like any other plant.
We are now half way through the growing roses for dummies guide, see it's not as hard as you thought? Anyway, to continue....
Roses require the same things as other plants, just a bit more. One of the most important things to remember in rose gardening is that roses are heavy feeders and will need several fertilizer applications. Fertilizing should be started in early spring and discontinued in early autumn. Make sure not to over-fertilize (fertilizer should come with instructions) and water after each feeding. Roses will need a thorough watering about twice a week as they require large quantities of water.
That's the care part of the growing roses for dummies guide complete, now on to pruning your roses.
With flower gardening pruning is essential. It increases blooms and encourages healthy plant growth. Different varieties of roses have different instructions for pruning, so you might want to read up on your rose types and see what is suggested.
Now for some final guidelines to follow in our guide - growing roses for dummies....
The main thing to remember with rose gardening is to water, water, and water some more. One other thing about rose gardening is the amount of fertilizer and nutrients you will need to use, and the pruning that needs to be done to keep your roses under control and healthy. Even though rose gardening takes a little more time and roses are more work, they are one of the most unique and beautiful plants, and definitely worth the extra work.
We hope you have enjoyed the growing roses for dummies guide and have found this useful.
About the Author
Allens Nurseries are an experienced family run garden nursery in East Anglia, United Kingdom. Please visit our website at http://www.allensnurseries.co.uk for lots of free gardening information including gardening made easy! You can also sign up to our two monthly e-zine - all for free!
