How to Prepare Soil for Planting Roses

Roses grow and perform reasonably well under a wide variety of soil conditions. However, it is widely recognized they perform much better when planted in the IDEAL ROSE SOIL.

, in an IDEAL ROSE SITE.

First of all, a few words about the site:

a. An elevated spot of land, because this reduces the chances of creating water logged conditions. Good drainage is essential for root health.

b. Away from buildings and fences and other structures. Whenever roses are planted against a wall of a fence, this reduces access to bushes to perform essential maintenance items.

c. Away from trees and other shrubs. As far away as possible. Root competition from other shrubs and trees is a constant challenge. When you plant roses and fertilize and water them regularly over a period of time, roost from neighboring trees and shrubs will find them, sooner or later. You might wonder , how then, gardeners have always planted roses in the perennial borders and seem to be happy with the results. The simple answer is, they same roses would have performed much better, planted in dedicated rose beds, away from competing roots. Almost all Consulting Rosarians of the American Rose Society plant their roses in dedicated rose beds.

d. Open, sunny spot. Wide open, sunny location was recommended for the European climate. While it as accepted that the roses do well when planted in full sun, it is our experience that they do suffer from too much heat in the Southern sun during the months of July and August. Filtered shade provided right over the beds, providing shade in the mid after-noon, seems to do wonders for the bushes. Planting roses across the western border of a property, separated by tall trees about thirty feet west to the rose beds seems to be very beneficial by providing afternoon shade. Roses receiving less than six hours of sun do not do well, generally speaking.

IDEAL ROSE SOIL:

Sandy Loam, containing five to ten percent of organic matter, with a pH of 6.5. Such soil can be ordered from commercial horticultural suppliers. All regions of the country have such businesses catering to local nurserymen. Rose beds are simple excavated to a depth of 12 inches and filled with this commercial soil, up to six inches above the ground to make raised beds. Then a suitable border may be installed to hold the soil in place. Mulching also helps in holding the soil in place, in addition to keeping the soil cool in the summer, conserving moisture and controlling germination of annual weeds. Buying commercially prepared soil is the most expensive option.

Then next best option is to mark the beds and place a layer of any good soil-less potting mixes bought from your local box store and tilling it in. Third option is to ad a four inch layer of compost to existing soil and tilling it in.

The least desirable option is to prepare individual planting hole by mixing soil-less potting mix or compost to individual potting hole, approximately one part of mix to two parts of indigenous soil.

It is a good idea to send a soil sample for analysis and recommendation by your local county extension service. Depending upon the pH, one can add lime to rasie the pH or sulfur to lower the same. Exact amounts needed will be included in the soil report. It takes about three months to improve acidic pH, as the lime is poorly soluble and the lime has to go into solution to react with the acidic soil and raise the pH.

d. Open, sunny spot.