When planting roses, the quality of the soil is key to their success. Before planting your roses, it’s important to prepare the soil properly.
Firstly, ensure that you have enough space for each rose plant with adequate sunlight and drainage. Roses need at least six hours of direct sun a day to thrive.
Next, remove any weeds or rocks from the planting area and loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches using a garden fork or spade.
Add organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to help improve both water retention and drainage in heavy clay soils. In sandy soils, organic matter can add essential nutrients that are often missing.
Before adding any fertilizer or nutrients, get a soil test done first, so you’ll know what adjustments need to be made based on your specific needs. Roses like slightly acidic soil with pH levels between 6.0 and 6.5.
Incorporate bonemeal into the soil before planting if desired, as it helps promote healthy root development as well as an abundance of blooms throughout the season.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around each plant to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
With these simple steps, cultivating healthy roses couldn’t be easier!