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Growing roses isn't difficult. It just takes some tenderloving care.

Plant roses in a location which gets full sunlight.

Roses should be pruned in the spring. Cut out dead anddamaged branches. Always sharpen the hand shears and soakthem in a solution of half water and half bleach beforepruning. This will helps to protect the rosebush fromdiseases and insects.

Mulch the rosebush with wood chips, pine needles, grassclippings or other organic mulch. The mulch keeps inmoisture, keeps weeds from growing, and helps to preventdiseases.

Protect roses during the winter months by adding a fewextra inches of soil to the base of your roses.

Fertilize roses regularly. Kelp is an excellent naturalfertilizer. Stop fertilizing one month before expectedfrost date.

Water roses deeply once a week at the roots and preventgetting the leaves wet. Wet foliage invites fungaldiseases. Alternatives place a drip or soaker hose aroundthe rosebush and cover with mulch. Water in the morning forbest results.

Roses need to be planted in soil that provides gooddrainage. If not possible then plant roses in raised beds.Allow at least one foot of space between the rosebushes forgood air circulation. This too helps to prevent disease.

For insect pests a good natural insecticide is Neem SeedOil. It is also good at helping to defeat fungi. In severecases use an insecticidal soap or chemical pesticide.

Aphids are the most common rose pest. Simply wash therosebush with a blast of soapy water from a hose. This willknock the aphids off.

Japanese beetles are the second most common enemy. At thefirst sign of them apply insecticides and continue on aregular basis. Garlic plants and sprays are organictechniques to help keep the beetles away.

For more information about growing roses visit:http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/rosetips.htm

Copyright: 2006 Marilyn Pokorney

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