preparation of the soil

Home

Preparation of the Soil ◄Back

There is no single procedure to use in the preparation of rose beds because soil conditions vary considerably within a short distance. However, since roses have deep anchor roots, the soil should be prepared to a depth of at least 20 inches and preferably 24 inches. When it is impossible to dig down this deep, dig as deep as you can, then raise the bed by the required amount. Roses grow extremely well in raised beds, so you may wish to aim for at least a slightly raised bed.

If your garden consists of rocks and sand, you will have to dig out the bed and fill it almost completely with amended soil from elsewhere. It is possible to purchase a good "lawn & garden" mix to fill garden beds, but it is necessary to shop around and make sure what you're getting is satisfactory to grow plants.
( keep in mind that roses do best in a soil pH of between 6-7 ). Once your rose beds are complete, you'll want to be sure you have all the necessary material set aside for planting time. Since organic matter is extremely important for the best plant growth, you will want to set aside moist peat moss mixed with good garden soil as a planting mixture where it will be readily available when you are ready to plant. A good planting mix would be two thirds garden loam and one third peat moss by volume. Lacking good garden loam, mushroom compost or your own garden compost would do as well. Super phosphate or bone meal will be required as this is the only fertilizer used in the planting hole other than alfalfa meal or pellets which many rose growers have used in the last few years. Alfalfa contains a hormone which is beneficial to good growth.

Once you have all the necessary items and your trusty shovel, you are ready to plant your roses. Happy rose planting!

Planting Bare Root Roses

▲
Top