Phyl - yes. Our grandmas & grandpas were sure smart no??
My grandmother had tons of roses & always used coffee grinds, left over coffee pouring it right on the plant & banana peels. She used crushed egg shells to keep out slugs & other bugs. She would circle the bottom of the plant with them so nothing could climb up the plants.
The coffee grinds are used because they are acidic for acid loving plants like roses & azaleas. The grinds also help bring earthworms & release nitrogen.
I don't know a 'ton' about roses, but have consulted with my local rosarian here & have learned a lot. I have several old english types I planted last year & hope to add many more this year. I plan on using those same techniques my grandmother used in her garden.
