Deep soaking is best; as light sprinkling can do more harm than good. Observe the rose beds to see how long moisture is
retained in the soil; dig a little past the surface if necessary. This will help you gauge how often to water. Water roses in
early morning to reduce evaporation and allow foliage adequate time to dry. Deliver water directly to the base of a rose
bush with a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. Avoid watering from overhead with a sprinkler or hand- held hose or
watering wand. Plan to water roses two to three times a week during dry periods.
2. Spray - Be on the alert for spider mites. If lower foliage turns gray-green and looks dry, check the undersides for a salt
and pepper look. Use a water wand to wash down under sides of leaves every three days or use a miticide of your choice.
Continue regular preventative spray program for
black spot and mildew. It is always a good idea to water bushes well before spraying and avoid spraying during the hottest
time of the day.
3. Feed - Maintain a light-feeding program. Roses are heavy feeders and prefer a light diet during the summer months. If
foliage turns a light green, try an application of iron (Sprint.)
4. Manicure Bushes- Keep roses groomed by cutting off old rose blooms. Open up center of plant
and trim out twiggy growth and blind shoots. Some rosarians recommend removing the lower
leaves to help air circulation and to avoid black spot. Suckers or vigorous canes that grow from the
root stock, usually show themselves in summer. Cut wildly growing suckers back to ground level.
5. Mulch - Make sure that mulch cover is adequate,adding additional mulch until cover is 2 to 3 inches.
|
|
