Rose Gardening for Beginners

Roses- the ultimate symbol of love, luxury, and romance. But let’s be real, they’re also super intimidating to grow, especially if you’re new to gardening. “Rose gardening for beginners” sounds like an oxymoron, right? Wrong! With this guide, you’ll discover that growing gorgeous roses in your garden is way easier than you may have imagined.

Let’s get started!

DISCOVER YOUR DREAM ROSE!

With countless varieties to choose from, finding the perfect rose tailored to your style and needs is a breeze! Roses come in a wide varieties of colors and sizes to suit any garden space- big or small, container or trellis! To pick the perfect rose, consider its grown-up size and the climate zone where you live. Explore online to uncover a stunning selection of roses and get inspired! Whether you’re creating a rose garden or adding a single statement piece, there’s a rose out there just for you!

FINDING THE PERFECT SPOT FOR YOUR ROSE!

To grow a happy and healthy rose, you need to find the right location! Choose a spot with well-draining soil and full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Don’t worry if your garden doesn’t get full sun- there are varieties that are more shade tolerant. Consider how much space is in the garden to help you determine the right-sized rose.

PLANTING YOUR ROSES!

Roses come in two forms: potted or bare root, and may be grafted onto strong rootstock or grow on their own roots. Planting roses in fall (before frost) or late winter/early spring (just before they come out of dormancy) is the best time to plant. Dig a hole big enough for your rose and mix compost with native soil (half-and-half works great!). Compost gives a the soil a great boost by adding nutrients, and helps with the soil composition. For bare-root roses, spread roots out for healthy growth, and loosen potted rose roots if they’re root-bound. When planting grafted roses, bury the graft around 2 inches under soil to protect it from cold temperatures.

WATERING YOUR ROSES JUST RIGHT!

Rose love moist soil, but hate being waterlogged! Check soil moisture by sticking your finger in up to the knuckle- if it’s dry, water! Water deeply at the base to prevent leaves getting wet, causing fungal diseases and ensuring that the deep rose roots have access to water! Climate, soil structure, and temperature affect watering needs, but don’t worry, you’ll learn quickly when your roses need to be watered! Remember during times of extreme temperatures, your roses may need to be watered more often.

FEEDING YOUR ROSES FOR MORE BLOOMS!

Roses love to be fed, and fertilizing is essential for their overall health and abundant flowering. During the growing season, providing your roses with enough nutrients ensures they thrive and produce lots of beautiful blooms. There are several types of fertilizers to choose from, each with its benefits and drawbacks. These include organic fertilizers, which release nutrients slowly and naturally, synthetic fertilizers, which act quickly but can burn roots if overused, and systemic fertilizers, which also protects against pests and diseases.

When fertilizing your roses, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing. Start fertilizing at the beginning of the growing season, and discontinue one to two months before the first frost date. By properly feeding your roses, you’ll be rewarded with tons of flowers!

DON’T FEAR PRUNING YOUR ROSES!

Pruning might seem intimidating but it is easier than you think! Late winter or early spring is the perfect time to prune your roses. Start by pruning back to about one-third of the plant. Begin by removing any dead or diseased canes, followed by those growing inward, which will promote good airflow and a healthy shape. When cutting, look for buds (or eyes) facing outward and away from the center. Cut just above these buds, encouraging growth outward. This simple technique will help your roses be healthy and great-looking! Avoid pruning in late fall or winter, unless you need to protect long canes from harsh winds or heavy snow. In that case, trim them to a safer height to prevent damage.

Deadheading is also a form of pruning! Deadheading is a simple way to keep your roses look amazing, and continue receiving beautiful blooms all season long! It’s like giving your plant a quick haircut to help it grow new flowers. To deadhead, find an old flower, and cut the stem above a leaf that’s facing outward, away from the center of the plant. Discontinue deadheading one to two months before your first frost date. New growth can be damaged by freezing temperatures.

PROTECTING YOUR ROSES IN THE WINTER!

Keep your roses cozy during the cold winter months! First, select roses that are suitable for your gardening zone. To protect your roses from cold, freezing temperatures, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base, insulating the ground and protecting the roots from hard frosts. Mulch also has a great benefit by offering nutrients as it breaks down, as well as improving the soil structure.

MANAGING PESTS AND DISEASES!

Roses can be prone to pests and diseases, but don’t worry, managing them is easier than you think! Common pest culprits include aphids, thrips, and Japanese beetles, but they can be easily controlled. Aphids can be sprayed off with high-pressure water or simply pinching them between your fingers. Japanese beetles can also be knocked off manually. Introducing and attracting beneficial predatory insects also help keep these in check, as well! For persistent or extreme issues, consider environmentally friendly sprays like Neem oil or a homemade mix of baking soda and dish soap. If needed, stronger pesticides are available, but be cautious, as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators too. Roses can also be susceptible to diseases like black spot, powdery mildew, and rust, especially during early or late growing seasons or periods of excessive rain. To prevent these issues, focus on keeping leaves dry while watering. Hand-pick affected leaves, remove fallen leaves, and maintain good airflow to promote drying. Regularly disinfect pruners between roses to prevent disease spread. There are also a wide variety of fungicidal sprays that you can use to, in times of excessive disease spread.

HAVING FUN WITH YOUR ROSES!

Don’t stress too much about your roses-they’re more resilient than you think! Pests and diseases are a natural part of any balanced ecosystem, so a few issues here and there aren’t cause for major alarm. Every rose gardener faces these challenges. Embrace diversity in your garden! Planting different species of plants helps attract beneficial insects and pollinators, and help deter big pest infestations. Having a wide arrangement of plants can also help reduce the spread of disease!

Remember, growing roses should be enjoyable, so focus on all the good that your roses are providing! With a relaxed approach and smart gardening practices, you’ll end up with beautiful, vibrant, and healthy roses!