Joyful Autumn Rose Growing

The autumn months of September and October are when roses perform at their peak. After faithfully following proper rose procedures up to this point, now -- at last -- you should begin to reap the rewards of full, vibrant, glorious blooms.

Your work isn't quite done yet, however. Although autumn is the best growing time, it's also the time you must prepare your rose bushes for winter coming onslaught.

Producing those beautiful blooms you are so proud of is hard work -- for your rose bushes, too. They need a lot of water to fuel the flowering process. Continue to water them deeply, as often as needed to maintain growth. Watering daily is okay if you are showing them off, just be careful and observe closely so that you do not over-do the watering process. You want beautiful blooms, not drowned roots.

Continue using water-soluble compost through the end of September. Consider a commercial bloom-boosting fertilizer. The large number in the middle of the formulation is your cue -- nitogen, PHOSPHORUS, potasium (potash).

Black spot and mildew are dangerous because conditions for their growth are ideal, so keep up with a vigorous spraying program through the end of October. Stop all fertilizing by the end of October, to let your roses begin the hibernation process.

You can continue to cut rose bouquets through October without causing any harm to the bushes. To encourage rose hips to form, just remove the petals of the dead roses.

Fall just happens to be the right time to start planning next year's garden. Order new flower catalogs for your research during the dark and dreary months of winter. This is my favorite part -- all fun and no work. To get your best selections possible, place your new roses order early. Rose growers know when the best time is to ship new bushes to your climate zone.

About The Author
Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer at http://www.ronxking.com.
Visit http://www.grow-roses-now.com to learn more.
Copyright 2006 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

Tips for Growing Beautiful Roses

Growing roses isn't difficult. It just takes some tender loving care.

Plant roses in a location which gets full sunlight.

Roses should be pruned in the spring. Cut out dead and damaged branches. Always sharpen the hand shears and soak them in a solution of half water and half bleach before pruning. This will helps to protect the rosebush from diseases and insects.

Mulch the rosebush with wood chips, pine needles, grass clippings or other organic mulch. The mulch keeps in moisture, keeps weeds from growing, and helps to prevent diseases.

Protect roses during the winter months by adding a few extra inches of soil to the base of your roses.

Fertilize roses regularly. Kelp is an excellent natural fertilizer. Stop fertilizing one month before expected frost date.

Water roses deeply once a week at the roots and prevent getting the leaves wet. Wet foliage invites fungal diseases. Alternatives place a drip or soaker hose around the rosebush and cover with mulch. Water in the morning for best results.

Roses need to be planted in soil that provides good drainage. If not possible then plant roses in raised beds. Allow at least one foot of space between the rosebushes for good air circulation. This too helps to prevent disease.

For insect pests a good natural insecticide is Neem Seed Oil. It is also good at helping to defeat fungi. In severe cases use an insecticidal soap or chemical pesticide.

Aphids are the most common rose pest. Simply wash the rosebush with a blast of soapy water from a hose. This will knock the aphids off.

Japanese beetles are the second most common enemy. At the first sign of them apply insecticides and continue on a regular basis. Garlic plants and sprays are organic techniques to help keep the beetles away.

For more information about growing roses visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/rosetips.htm

Copyright: 2006 Marilyn Pokorney

About The Author
Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email: Current address on website