Roses can be fickle and sensitive plants.  Although they’re generally not that hard to grow, they often will show signs of any problems pretty quickly.

Roses may struggle if there are nutrient deficiencies, so it’s important to provide them with soil that is just perfect for them and in the best possible condition.

So Where Do You Start?

Right from the start you need to ensure the highest quality soil for your roses, and to do this, add quality organic material to the soil.

1. Add backyard or manure composts to the soil

2. Use rich, organic mulch over the top - remember, the more organic material you add to the soil, the better your roses will probably do. In addition to providing nutrients and minerals to your roses, when soil is rich in organic material it helps keep the biologic system in the soil healthy, which all helps to prevent diseases

Beneficial microorganisms need the organic matter to feed upon Microorganisms are important as they help crowd out pathogens through a process known as “competitive exclusion.”  In this process, the beneficial microorganisms proliferate far more than the bad ones and, sometimes even eat them!

So, What Does All This Mean?

1. This helps keep the moisture level in the soil balanced

2.  It helps the roses to absorb more of the water that the soil receives.  Good moisture levels are very important for roses.  Over-watering is a no-no, but then again so is allowing them to dry out

3.  The wonderful thing about organic material is it acts like a sponge.  It soaks up water then holds it until it is needed by the plants

4. Organic material also helps attract earthworms

5.  Earthworms help aerate the soil, keeping oxygen flowing through it and keeping the biological process moving properly.  Their dung is a potent natural fertilizer, so having them in your garden is like having a constant source of free fertilizer!

(See our recipe page for a Worm Tea your roses will just love you for)

Having a soil rich in organic matter will make your job much easier, because:

• You’ll have to water far less often, and you won’t have to fertilize very often if the soil is rich in organic material that attracts earthworms

• Your roses will grow bigger and stronger, and they won’t have as many problems with pests and diseases.

If you don’t have a good source of organic material, you can buy bags of organic compost at most garden centers.   Some communities collect yard waste and compost it and will make it available.

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Check your soil to be sure it has the proper pH balance

• Roses need a pH range of around 5.5 to 7.0, and

• Do a soil test before planting your roses to see if your soilis acidic or alkaline. Make corrections if necessary

Roses prefer a rich, loamy soil that drains well. So...

• Add leaf mold, peat moss, fine potting bark, or organic compost to all soils, especially if the soil is particularly sandy or full of clay.

• This will help the soil drain better, and will hold in just the right amount of moisture for growing healthy, happy roses

Here's To Your Garden Being Full Of  'Blooming Happy' Roses!

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