Though you might have heard it otherwise, but rose gardens are not just simple to start but simpler to maintain also. Strong and perennial, rose plants can survive with little human intervention and can thrive well in the wild. A good and healthy start is the primary step for keeping your rose garden safe from various dangers which bring damage to a rose garden.
The first step to start on the right foot is to choose only such types of roses which are suited to your climate zone and the specific soil type. While your local garden store will stock lots of varieties of roses during the planting season, you must carefully examine the plants before purchase. Any rot on the roots or dead canes signify that these are unhealthy plants or have been mishandled. These are not likely to survive and should be rejected.
New plants can only survive if they are planted on firm and well-prepared soil. Roses are no exception to this rule. A well prepared, conditioned and primed soil is critical for successful growth of the plant. This means that whatever hard works that you put in, before planting the plant, will pay in the long run, when you see healthy blooms blossoming in your rose garden. Start by digging the soil about a foot deep. In stead of destroying this soil, keep it for later use. Your next job is to add compost, peat moss or even cultured manure to this layer. Dig the second time, mixing the soil with these additives. Put this mixture inside the first foot of the soil and start planting. Remember the first enemy of a rose plant is inadequate conditioning of the soil.
Do you know what a rose plant goes through during winter? The regular cycle of freezing and thawing makes the underground roots shift which ultimately damages the root system and kills the plant. To prevent this from happening, use mulch for winter protection.
Incidentally, mulch is beneficial for the soil during summer too. It wards off weeds and retains the moisture level of the soil. Thus, mulch must be part of your regular plant care schedule just before the first bloom shows up. Strengthen the plant by putting several inches of soil and cover that soil with mulch to protect the root system during harsh winter months and you will be rewarded with healthy flowers which show up during early spring.
Wet plants and unkempt flower beds are thriving grounds for many fungal diseases like black spot and powdery mildew. To keep your plants healthy, regularly remove all fallen and dead leaves along with other garden debris from near the roots of the plants. This way you can water the plants directly and keep fungal infections away. Remember, watering should be done at the base of the plant and not the leaves, stems or flowers. This will ward off mold and rust, both of which are harmful for rose plants.
Your rose plants can also attract many types of garden insects including aphids, thrips, beetles and caterpillars who love to eat into the plants. Prevention from insect infestation can be done by spraying dormant season oil just before spring. If your garden is still infested with insects, they can be removed by a combination of using hand and treating with some mild insecticidal soap solution.
Rose plants can be kept free of disease, pests and hazardous weather conditions if you are a bit alert and take timely care of your garden.
