How to keep our garden roses alive during the cold months of the year?
To help our roses survive the winter, we must take care of them in the autumn and they need watering, which is gradually reduced.If you notice pests such as worms or mites, take measures against them immediately, as they will weaken the plant and may impair its survival.September is the month in which we should focus all our efforts on our favorite roses in order to end their growing season properly.It is good to fertilize the roses with potassium and phosphorus at the very beginning of September, because this will help the plant to cope better with the low temperatures that await it.If you don't have fertilizer at hand, you can use banana peels by digging them into the roots, because they are very rich in potassium and strengthen the roots and stems of the plants.I will advise you not to use manure, because it contains a high amount of nitrogen, which provokes the growth of young shoots, which is dangerous for the plant at the beginning of the cold season.
Pruning roses is best done in October or the beginning of November at the latest.It is mandatory to remove the flowers, all the leaves and all the dried branches. The leaves that have fallen at the base of the root should also be removed, as this can lead to rotting of the plant.If there are too tall stems, they should also be trimmed so that they are not broken by the wind. The perfect length of the stem should not exceed 40-50 cm
How is the wintering of roses actually done? After you have pruned your roses it is time to winterize the plant. It is good to wait for a warm day when you simply put 25 cm of garden soil at the base of the rose.Roses can be transplanted in autumn and in spring. The important thing is that the temperature of the soil should be around 8 degrees, but in my opinion, autumn planting guarantees better rooting of the rose.Choose a sunny spot and dig a hole at least 30 cm deep. Add peat moss to it, place the plants and tamp the soil well. Water and cover the plants with 20-30 cm of loose soil. You will remove the cover in the spring, after the frosts have passed.
Now I will give you some useful tips.
Do not rush to remove the shelters in the spring. Wait until the weather warms up permanently, because opening the plants too early can stimulate vegetation and after a some cold day comes and damages the plant.
Do not rush to cover the roses before the frosts come. Wait for autumn rains to taper off and temperatures to remain persistently cold.
Do not cut the young branches too early, because if the weather is still warm, this can provoke the formation of new shoots.
If you have to tie the plant to something, use non-biodegradable materials, such as plastic or metal, because you risk rotting the plant.
Do not use polythene to cover the roses. It retains moisture and cold and plants can freeze.