They need a soil rich in Organic matter so planting time is a great opportunity to get it right. Add approx 10 lts of Animal Manure (more if you have a light soil) per planting hole and mix it well with the soil, this not only improves the soil texture but gets them off to a good start nutrient wise. Roses like Tomatoes respond very well to good food and will produce an endless supply of flowers through the summer months if they have nothing holding them back.
Once planted use plenty of Mulch and or Compost on top of the soil and replace as it breaks down, this keeps a continuous supply of Organic Matter to the Rose. In the Spring spread a layer of Animal Manure around the base of the Rose (away from the trunk) then the Mulch on top of that, repeat mid-summer and this will go a long way to keeping your Rose happy and healthy.
Give the leaves a good soaking of Liquid Fish Fertiliser every month, ensuring plenty runs off into the soil, to give the plant a top up, if the plant starts to look a bit hard done by give it a soil soak of Liquid Fish Fertiliser during the season. If you do get any Insect attack use Soap Water, Neem Oil or Pyrethrum to combat any problems but if you feed your Roses well they tend to be trouble free. In Humid climates Black Spot can be a problem, use Apple Cider Vinegar at 50 mls per L of water, you may need to repeat the spray a couple of days later if the infection is bad. Keep plenty of distance between the Roses at planting time so they have good air movement around them, this keeps the Fungal Spores to a minimum.
When you pick a Flower cut the stem back close to the trunk, this stops the Rose getting bushy and you ending up with a heap of small weak flowers, again it keeps the plant open and less prone to Diseases.
Be Happy,
Barry.
www.organic-vegetable-garden.net
