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The Best Tips & Tricks For A Thriving Rose Garden Full
Of Blooms
By ALICIA BODINE
Pests
Aphids, deer, and rabbits love eating roses. Ward them off by growing lavender as a companion plant, as it repels these pests and prefers the same growing conditions as roses.
Lavender likes well-draining soil and full sun. After the last frost, work 1 inch of compost into the top 4 inches of soil, add lavender plants every 24 inches, and water weekly.
Nutrients
Banana peels contain sulfur, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potash, which boost the growth of rose stems and flowers, according to the American Rose Society.
Cut them into pieces, put them in a jar of water, then pour this around the rose bushes after two weeks. Alternatively, dry and crush them, and add the powder when planting roses.
Disease
To combat black spot disease on leaves and stems, scatter cornmeal around the roses’ base, rake it into the soil, water it, and repeat monthly during the growing season.
Studies show cornmeal is as effective against fungal disease as fungicides, but avoid using it if you have fire ants, squirrels, or deer, as it will attract them to your garden.
Stimulant
Alfalfa stimulates plant growth, as it contains nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus, and triacontanol, so nourish each rose bush with a gallon of alfalfa tea every six weeks.
To make alfalfa tea, fill a 30-gallon trash can with water, add 10 cups of alfalfa pellets, leave it in the sun for five days, stir each day, and add cold water before applying it.
Mulch
Mulch suppresses weeds and keeps soil moist. Coarse mulch is better than fine mulch as it helps keep the roses' foliage dryer, reducing their risk of getting fungal diseases.
Coarse mulches include sawdust, straw, pine needles, shredded leaves, or cedar. Apply 2 to 3 inches around the rose bush, at least 2 inches away from the stem, then water over it.