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Blooming Marvellous Roses

Is your composter at home on it’s way out? Too small or too large? Well, this month we have a tutorial that may be able to help you out.

Chris, one of our experienced sponsorship winners has written a great article on how to make your very own composter to your specific requirements.

Established Rose Plants

Depending on where you are in the country, you may see new leaves starting to form as early as the end of the month. Early to mid-spring is the ideal time to start with a quality nitrogen rich organic fertiliser such as dried blood. This will give new growth a healthy boost especially when combined with 50-100g of Epsom salt applied as a top dressing.

Once the new shoots reach 5-6” in length apply a general slow release fertiliser such as a tree and shrub feed. Keep feeding every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.

New Plants

If you are planting out a bare root rose then check the roots for any that are broken or have soft spots where rot is starting to set in and cut them off. Always soak the roots in water for around 12  to 24 hours before planting.

For new roses we recommend using a trowel full of bone meal mixed into the base of the hole where it is planted. Bone meal is great for new plants especially shrub roses, trees and root vegetables as it promotes quicker, stronger growth as well as preventing disease.  You can also mix a slow release fertiliser such as Elixir Gardens tree and shrub plant feed (NPK 5-19-10 +3Mg) into the soil you backfill with. 

After planting, and before applying a final mulch, sprinkle 50-100g of Epsom salt around the base as the magnesium will help with the development of the canes and foliage.

When to Water

Established roses are generally tolerant of dry spells but during prolonged periods of no rain, they will benefit from regular watering. This is especially true if they are planted in sandy or free draining soil. If watering using a hose direct the water to the base of the plant rather than over the foliage. This will help avoid problematic fungal growth.

As with any newly planted tree or shrub, roses should be watered regularly through the first season to help the root system establish. This also helps to avoid stress which can make them more vulnerable to disease. 

Water container roses daily during the growing season and should a container dry out then place it in a tub of water to soak to ensure the water reaches the centre of the root system.

Feeding During the Season

Feed roses in March or April once leaves have formed, but before flowering, and then again in mid-summer after they have had that wonderful first flush of blooms. A balanced fertiliser like Growmore (NPK 7-7-7) is ideal to add to the top of the soil before mulching.

However, roses grown in containers require a bit more care as they are limited to the nutrients in the small amount of soil they are planted in. Using a liquid growmore is the ideal feed to encourage strong, healthy growth. Continue to feed until the flower buds form and once they come into bloom switch to a liquid feed rich in potash. Keep feeding every couple of weeks until late summer.

Copy the code below for your 10% off discount:

ELIXIR10

Established Rose Plants

Depending on where you are in the country, you may see new leaves starting to form as early as the end of the month. Early to mid-spring is the ideal time to start with a quality nitrogen rich organic fertiliser such as dried blood. This will give new growth a healthy boost especially when combined with 50-100g of Epsom salt applied as a top dressing.

Once the new shoots reach 5-6” in length apply a general slow release fertiliser such as a tree and shrub feed. Keep feeding every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.

New Plants

If you are planting out a bare root rose then check the roots for any that are broken or have soft spots where rot is starting to set in and cut them off. Always soak the roots in water for around 12  to 24 hours before planting.

For new roses we recommend using a trowel full of bone meal mixed into the base of the hole where it is planted. Bone meal is great for new plants especially shrub roses, trees and root vegetables as it promotes quicker, stronger growth as well as preventing disease.  You can also mix a slow release fertiliser such as Elixir Gardens tree and shrub plant feed (NPK 5-19-10 +3Mg) into the soil you backfill with. 

After planting, and before applying a final mulch, sprinkle 50-100g of Epsom salt around the base as the magnesium will help with the development of the canes and foliage.

When to Water

Established roses are generally tolerant of dry spells but during prolonged periods of no rain, they will benefit from regular watering. This is especially true if they are planted in sandy or free draining soil. If watering using a hose direct the water to the base of the plant rather than over the foliage. This will help avoid problematic fungal growth.

As with any newly planted tree or shrub, roses should be watered regularly through the first season to help the root system establish. This also helps to avoid stress which can make them more vulnerable to disease. 

Water container roses daily during the growing season and should a container dry out then place it in a tub of water to soak to ensure the water reaches the centre of the root system.

Feeding During the Season

Feed roses in March or April once leaves have formed, but before flowering, and then again in mid-summer after they have had that wonderful first flush of blooms. A balanced fertiliser like Growmore (NPK 7-7-7) is ideal to add to the top of the soil before mulching.

However, roses grown in containers require a bit more care as they are limited to the nutrients in the small amount of soil they are planted in. Using a liquid growmore is the ideal feed to encourage strong, healthy growth. Continue to feed until the flower buds form and once they come into bloom switch to a liquid feed rich in potash. Keep feeding every couple of weeks until late summer.

Copy the code below for your 10% off discount:

ELIXIR10

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About Elixir Gardens

With over 35 years’ experience in Gardening and Horticulture here at Elixir Garden Supplies we pride ourselves on offering quality gardening essentials with the knowledge of how to use them and sold at the best possible prices.

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