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| Mulch: A protective covering such as sawdust, peat moss, or compost spread on the ground around a plant to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, and enrich the soil Bonemeal: Crushed or ground bone Superphosphate: A soluble mixture of phosphates made by treating insoluble mineral phosphates with sulfuric acid Composted manure: Manure that has decayed and is therefore less likely to overwhelm soil and plants with certain chemicals Gypsum: A mineral consisting of hydrous calcium sulfate |
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If you have good soil, you'll have good roses. Here's how to find out what kind of soil you have and how to amend it for roses: Measure and adjust the pH. The pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of soil on a scale of 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Roses like a slightly acidic soil, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.6. An improper balance will prevent the rose from taking nutrients out of the soil. Take a sample of your soil to your local plant nursery or agricultural extension center for testing. Note: Even after you've already planted your roses, it's a good idea to test the soil every two years, especially if you use mulch, which alters the soil's pH balance over time. If your soil is too alkaline (above 6.6), add agricultural-grade sulfur (or compost, if you have it). If it's too acidic (below 6.0), add powdered limestone. When you add these items, dig them into the soil about 6 inches (15 centimeters) deep. If you're not sure how much to add, consult the nursery or extension office that tested your soil. Dig a planting hole 2 feet (60 centimeters) wide and a little less than 2 feet (60 centimeters) deep. If you're planting your rose bush among other flowers, give it a little more space than this. Sprinkle a handful of bonemeal or superphosphate onto the soil at the bottom of the hole to give the roots an extra boost.
Amend the soil. You can make your soil even friendlier to newly planted roses by amending it to provide improved drainage and nutrient levels. Take 50 percent of the soil you dug up and add about half as much composted manure to it. Then add about 15 percent sand and 10 percent peat moss. (The sand will especially help with drainage, and roses require good drainage to grow properly.) Mix this together and dig it into the planting hole you're preparing.
If your soil is mostly composed of clay (you'll know because it's difficult to dig up and will clot together in lumps), it may require some gypsum to break up the clay clots. Add just enough to keep the soil from clotting.
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Prepare the ground
