The next article in our series of articles on Roses, deals with factors such as climate and soil. If you haven’t yet read parts 1 and 2, go back and read them first.

Knowing the Climate

The climate is another important factor to consider, when thinking about planting and growing roses. It plays a very important role in the growth of the plants, the reason that gardeners, amateur and expert alike, should consider it well, before planting and allowing the roses to grow.

For instance, it is deemed best, to plant roses when temperatures are cool and the plants are dormant. This is no doubt ideal, if you have a climate with a winter temperature, that stays above ten degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, if you live in an area where temperatures tend to hit zero, roses will grow well when planted no later than the first day of October. In this kind of climate, experts also often recommend planting roses early in spring, right after the chances of frost have passed.  This time is said to be perfect for growing roses, simply for the reason that during this period, the ground is likely to be warm and thawed.

If you want to make sure that you are planting roses with the right climate, check the package information, for any hint, or ask the expert growers you know, about when is the right time for your roses to be planted.

Knowing the Soil

In terms of soil, expert gardeners often suggest planting roses in areas where annuals, perennials and grasses once grew. The soil in this area, already has rich minerals and nutrients, which are needed for the roses to grow and bloom. However, if you want to obtain better results, it would be best to add some sort of fertilizer into your soil. If not sure, get a soil test done at your local nursery. They will determine whether the soil is rich, loamy, acidic, alkaline etc. and advise you how to change the composition of the soil with additives.

Fertilizers will normally work best, when placed directly into the hole, when planting the roses. You can also add some compost, or organic matter, to further make the soil conditions more nutritious for the roses to grow in.  Sheep’s manure, peat moss and compost are all said to be excellent food sources for roses. Be careful not to overdo it and make the soil too strong.

So, if you are making a garden for your wonderful roses, it is often easier to spread the fertilizers over the bed area you are preparing. Mix it in with the soil on the ground. A rate of about four pounds, is said to be ideal, for an area of a hundred square feet.

If you are clueless as to what kinds of fertilizers to use for your roses, don’t hesitate to ask your garden centre, or local nursery. That’s what they are there for. There are even garden centres that will deliver and distribute fertilizer, for households to use throughout the year.  So know if these fertilizers will suit the survival needs of your roses, in advance. It is worth noting, that roses tend to live and flourish longer, in soil rich in nitrogen, potash and sodium. 

If you find your planting area to be full of stones, don’t panic. The truth is, that roses live well in areas that are stony. They really don’t mind. This is based on the fact that, unlike other plants, the roots of roses don’t like to be wet. The stones provide them with perfect drainage.

Read the next part tomorrow.

If you want to learn more about rose gardening, then get this e-book “How To Plant And Care For Your Rose Garden.” This new guide reveals tips, tricks and techniques you can use, to consistently grow gorgeous, healthy roses, with ease. It is an instant download and currently on an introductory special. Take a peep here:
http://dersalsites.com/gardeningtips/prod/roseweek/

Sally Robson is a South African Internet marketer, who together with her husband Derek, have a vision of empowering all fellow South Africans and other non U.S folk, to have equal opportunity and success on the internet, by overcoming the many obstacles facing them. They have started a string of sites, resources, courses and articles, as part of Dersalsites. Sally has a passion for gardening. For more articles and advice on gardening topics, visit Sally at: http://www.dersalsites.com/sallysgardeningtips/ 

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