| my roses just won't grow well. what can I do to the soil to help them out. |
| Roses appreciate being on a regular feeding schedule. Here's what I do: Starting in March or April, feed with a granular, water-soluble fertilizer concentrated in Nitrogen (N) such as ammonium nitrate or sulfate or alfalfa meal. Apply to the drip line, according to the manufacturer?s suggested rate, and water in well. Three weeks later, feed with 3/4 cup Epsom salts per bush and water in well. Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) activates plant enzymes that aid in the growth process. If you only have a few rosebushes you can purchase Epsom salts at the grocery store or pharmacy. The first week of June feed with a balanced organic fertilizer labeled 10-10-10, 15-15-15 or 20-20-20. At this time of year, roses require equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. The third week of June, feed with 1/2 cup Epsom salts per bush around the drip line. Water well. The first of July feed with a balanced organic fertilizer again. The first week of August feed with fish emulsion (5-1-1) at the rate of one tablespoon per gallon of water and pour 2 gallons per bush around the drip line and water in well. Early September feed with an organic fertilizer labeled 0-10-10. This concoction, high in phosphorous and potassium, assures continued bloom and also hardens wood in preparation of winter pruning. In late September feed with fish emulsion at the rate of one tablespoon per gallon. Pour 2 gallons per bush around drip line and water well. Hope this helps! |
