Can you believe it’s already autumn? I mean, it’s still 110 degrees outside. What a wacko year. Anyway, it’s time to give your roses a little extra TLC so they can shine bright at the Mesa East Valley Rose Show coming up in November.
Fertilizing your plants this month is vital to achieving those gorgeous, larger-than-life blooms we hope to share at the upcoming rose shows. Here are a few tips to keep your garden flourishing:
Fertilizer
October is upon us, meaning it’s time for your roses’ last hurrah with fertilizer. Once we get into mid-November, you don’t want to be pushing any new growth. By that time, our roses will be needing some much-needed rest.
Central Arizona doesn’t have what you’d call a “true winter.” However, it’s still essential to help your plants ease into a form of dormancy during late fall or winter.
Whether you’re casually enjoying your garden or aiming for some jaw-dropping blooms in November, your fertilizing schedule might look slightly different. If you’re more of a laid-back rose enthusiast, plan on fertilizing every two weeks from October until mid-November. This easy-going approach will ensure your roses get what they need without hassle.
But if you’re gunning for those big and beautiful blooms to display at the Mesa East Valley Rose Show on November 16, you’ll want to step it up and fertilize once weekly until mid-November. This intensive schedule will give your plants that extra oomph they need to produce show-stopping flowers.
Soil & Mulch
Growing roses allows us to appreciate their beautiful blooms, but it’s easy to forget about the soil beneath. Over time, it can get tired and lose energy, which means fewer nutrients for your lovely plants. While it may not be as thrilling as witnessing the season’s first rose, addressing this issue can transform your garden.
Think of adding new soil as giving your garden a makeover. Nutrients break down, and what was once a rich bed of goodness becomes… well, kind of blah. It’s essential to replace that worn-out dirt with something rich and full of goodness that will help them thrive.
Adding fresh soil isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential. When you replace that worn-out soil with nutrient-rich goodness, you’re giving your roses the best possible foundation to thrive. Imagine the difference between trying to grow in a dusty old sandbox versus a lush garden bed full of rich compost and minerals.
And don’t worry; adding new soil doesn’t have to be a back-breaking task. Just spread some new soil around the base of each plant and gently mix it into the existing dirt with a rake or even your hands. I love getting my hands dirty — feeling the texture of the earth and taking in its earthy smell is so satisfying.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to top everything off with some mulch under those rose bushes. Your garden will thank you!
Water
October marks a shift in how we care for our roses. The month begins with sweltering temperatures close to 100 degrees, but the weather becomes more pleasant as it progresses. It’s crucial to continue watering your roses according to their needs. However, as the heat subsides, you can adjust your watering routine.
The best times to water are early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t blazing down on them. Even though it’s getting cooler, try to avoid watering during peak sunlight hours.
Watering every other day may suffice for roses planted in the ground. However, established rose bushes in pots will require daily watering. New roses in smaller containers might need to be watered twice daily until they grow stronger.
Disease
After months without rain, the Valley of the Sun may finally see a little rain. If the weather becomes wet, mildew may appear as the nights cool down and the daytime remains warm. A fungicide will keep mildew under control if sprayed weekly. Watch for spider mites, and you may also see aphids reappear.
Order More Roses
If you want to add some floral beauty to your yard, why not explore the vast world of mail-order rose plants? I have already received some new roses from Northland Rosarium and Heirloom Roses, and I’m excited about their prospects of producing stunning blooms in my garden.
Check out different outlets on the internet, such as Heirloom Roses, Northland Rosarium, K&M Roses, Edmunds, Jackson & Perkins, David Austin, and others. These places offer a dazzling variety of roses that can turn any garden into a blooming paradise.
I still depend upon Berridge Nursery, SummerWinds Nursery, A&P Nursery, and Whitfill Nurseries to provide most of my roses. Ordering online just means you can access rare varieties that might not be available at our local nurseries.
The key is to ensure the roses are delivered and planted before the end of January. The sooner you get your new roses, the better their chances of establishing robust root systems before the intense summer heat arrives in Arizona.
Featured Rose: Crown Princess Margareta (AUSwinter)
