How To Prepare Your Roses for Winter Weather

The time of year has arrived to engage in preparing your yard and garden for the harshness of winter weather. Rose bushes need particular care to withstand the onslaught of winter. Even if one lives in a milder climate, some preparation is still required. Unless you have a gardener this can be a daunting task unless you have a plan.

One of the first chores recommended is to prune back your roses. It can be tricky if not carefully done. Some rose gardeners recommend not pruning until February or March. However, there are others that suggest you prune back at the beginning to middle of October, before the first hard freeze of the season. Pruning in the fall must be done carefully so as not to damage spring blooms. If you do need to prune back unruly branches. Only cut back a third of the plant. Do so with sharp edged hedge clippers just above a growth notch.

Next you need to deadhead all old blooms that remain. While deadheading check for black spot, which is a common disease in roses. If you find leaves with black spots on them make sure to remove the branch at the first growth notch after the last of the black spot point. If you find black spot on any of your roses, you will need to wipe your hedge clippers with tea tree oil before moving onto the next plant. This will prevent the spread of the disease to other rose bushes as well as lubricate your sheers. This is also a great idea to use when trimming any other yard plants around your home.

The third step in winter rose preparation is known as "hardening off". Simply put this is just fertilizing the bush. It will prepare the roots of the plant for cold weather. You can find some great fertilizers at your local home and garden store. It's best to use a liquid over one that is granulated this time of year. Also check the labels before your purchase to make sure that your liquid is a 0-10-10, phosphorous and pot ash mixture. Use this fertilizer two times per month until the first hard freeze. Fall is also the perfect time to remove any dead rose bushes. Just remember that a roses branches and leaves are not good for your compost pile. They need to be burnt in a brush pile.

Lastly, if you find yourself in the middle of winter battling a deep frigid spell, you will want to provide extra protection. Roses can withstand temperatures of around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. What you need to do when the temperatures drop below 15 degrees is wrap your rose bushes in cloth, newspapers, paper bags or plastic bags, and even sawdust if used in moderation and dryer weather. Sawdust will hold moisture, which can lead to rotting roots if you are not careful. You can also place an empty inverted garbage can over the bush for added protection. Just remember that once the temperatures rise again, you will need to take these coverings off the bushes so they don't smother.

Roses are one of the most hearty of perennials, as well as being one of the most beloved plants worldwide. With these simple steps you will be able to ensure that your rose garden is around and healthy for many years to come.

The time of year has arrived to engage in preparing your yard and garden for the harshness of winter weather. Rose bushes need particular care to withstand the onslaught of winter. Even if one lives in a milder climate, some preparation is still required. Unless you have a gardener this can be a daunting task unless you have a plan.

One of the first chores recommended is to prune back your roses. It can be tricky if not carefully done. Some rose gardeners recommend not pruning until February or March. However, there are others that suggest you prune back at the beginning to middle of October, before the first hard freeze of the season. Pruning in the fall must be done carefully so as not to damage spring blooms. If you do need to prune back unruly branches. Only cut back a third of the plant. Do so with sharp edged hedge clippers just above a growth notch.

Next you need to deadhead all old blooms that remain. While deadheading check for black spot, which is a common disease in roses. If you find leaves with black spots on them make sure to remove the branch at the first growth notch after the last of the black spot point. If you find black spot on any of your roses, you will need to wipe your hedge clippers with tea tree oil before moving onto the next plant. This will prevent the spread of the disease to other rose bushes as well as lubricate your sheers. This is also a great idea to use when trimming any other yard plants around your home.

The third step in winter rose preparation is known as "hardening off". Simply put this is just fertilizing the bush. It will prepare the roots of the plant for cold weather. You can find some great fertilizers at your local home and garden store. It's best to use a liquid over one that is granulated this time of year. Also check the labels before your purchase to make sure that your liquid is a 0-10-10, phosphorous and pot ash mixture. Use this fertilizer two times per month until the first hard freeze. Fall is also the perfect time to remove any dead rose bushes. Just remember that a roses branches and leaves are not good for your compost pile. They need to be burnt in a brush pile.

Lastly, if you find yourself in the middle of winter battling a deep frigid spell, you will want to provide extra protection. Roses can withstand temperatures of around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. What you need to do when the temperatures drop below 15 degrees is wrap your rose bushes in cloth, newspapers, paper bags or plastic bags, and even sawdust if used in moderation and dryer weather. Sawdust will hold moisture, which can lead to rotting roots if you are not careful. You can also place an empty inverted garbage can over the bush for added protection. Just remember that once the temperatures rise again, you will need to take these coverings off the bushes so they don't smother.

Roses are one of the most hearty of perennials, as well as being one of the most beloved plants worldwide. With these simple steps you will be able to ensure that your rose garden is around and healthy for many years to come.