MARK CULLEN: Caring for Roses

By Mark Cullen

It is early summer and your roses have almost finished their first flush of great looking blossoms. Now is the most important time to feed them!

Roses require nutrients to produce blooms. If you used Smartcote "Feed and Forget" Rose Food early in the season, you can rest assured that your roses are receiving the correct amount of nutrients. If your roses were not fed with Smartcote you should feed them throughout July. Vigoro pink is a great organic-based fertilizer, ideal for use on your roses to produce beautiful blooms.

Roses should be surrounded by at least 2 inches of organic mulch. This will help deter weeds, retain moisture and in the long term it will add nutrients to the soil. Do not allow the mulch to touch the base of the rose bush to avoid encouraging the development of diseases.

Inspect your roses daily for insects and disease. Prune off finished flowers and monitor the health of the plant. Green Earth® Insecticidal Soap is a botanically derived insecticide which can be used to control a wide range of destructive insects.

Green Earth® Garden Fungicide controls powdery mildew, rust, black spot and other common diseases. The best prevention is a well-cultivated garden where your plants receive regular feeding, watering and maintenance. This provides a stress-free environment and encourages healthy growth. Remember to apply water in the morning to your roses. The water which lands on the foliage will evaporate with the morning sun and minimize the potential for disease problems.

Via Mark Cullen

Mark Cullen appears on Canada AM every Wednesday morning at 8:40.  He is spokesperson for Home Hardware Lawn and Garden.  Sign up for his free monthly newsletter at www.markcullen.com.