By: Robert Roy
Sometime during the year you will probably plant roses in your rose garden. There are many opinions on how to do this but I will tell you what has worked for me.
First let me distinguish planting rose into the rose garden that are dormant plants compared with those grown in pots or containers.
Roses which are dormant and bare roots grow well but usually don't bloom as long as those in the containers or pots. The latter are usually growing and not dormant. If you are buying dormant plants make sure that you are getting #1 grade. These will give you a much better crop during the summer to your rose garden.
Preparing The Soil
Pick an area that will get at least 5-6 hours of sunlight a day. Sun is a very important part of the growth cycle of your rose garden.
The soil should be a good loam and can be mixed with some clay. The loam should be down to a depth of at least 12-15 inches. Dig the soil out for the plant so that it will fit the plant with no damage to the roots and that the first bud spike will set about an inch below the surface.
I would also suggest that at the bottom of the hole you use a fork to loosen the dirt.
Now The Planting
Before setting the plant into the hole in the rose garden, I suggest that you mix some farm manure into the loosened dirt at the bottom. Trim any damaged roots and then set it into the hole.
Now that the rose is set into the hole be sure that the loam you put put around the plant is loose as well. Fill the hole to about 2/3 - 3/4 and tap it down. Water the plant and the dirt. Let the water settle then add the rest of the loam.
Be sure that the first bud spike is at least one inch below the surface.
For dormant plants mound the soil over the plant so it will not dry out. For plants that were in pots or containers there is no need to mound the soil in the rose garden.
It is fine to have a few inches of mulch around the plant base as this contains the moisture.
Watering
Roses should be watered about every 7 - 10 days and you need to water the base of the plant. If you water the flower it is easier for the plant to have disease infect it.
Although this presents as a diversion from orchids it is definitely in line with our additional items we have added.
Planting Season
Planting can take place between mid October and mid May. You should not plant or transplant after mid May until October. Good growing in your rose garden.
