Growing good roses is not difficult and plants are reasonable and long lasting. Plant them in good soil feed and care for them and they will reward you with magnificent blooms, scent, cut flowers and a great summer show. As a guide to growing roses there is a list on monthly tips and actions to help get the best from your plants.
January Prepare sites for new roses to be planted in spring. Double dig the ground and add organic matter, compost, humus and/or manure. Mix in bone meal. If the soil is frozen or waterlogged and unsuitable for planting heel-in bare rooted roses and plant when conditions improve. Normally planting can take place when the roses are dormant from November to March. Plant to the same level or depth that the rose was grown to – do not plant any grafting below the soils surface. Check for wind damage causing plants to rock and prune back autumn planted roses if not already done so. Spray with tar-oil wash to kill over-wintering pests.
February If soil is still unsuitable cover bare rooted roses in frost free conditions Firm in any rose trees loosened by gales or frost Plant seeds from rosehips and species roses in pots in a cold greenhouse Plant any bare rooted trees if the conditions allow, steep in water for 24 hours if the roots are dry and put banana skins and bone meal in the hole. I am happy to plant 18inches apart for most trees with a bit more or less space depending on the vigour of the type and variety. Later in the month in sheltered gardens pruning of established plants can start. Cutting out weak stems and a third of the oldest, woodiest growth will encourage new shoots. Thin out over grown ramblers but take care or you will loose the years flowers if they are not the repeat flowering
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