The organic fertilizer that you applied (or should have applied) in the spring is about gone, so now is the time to apply another round of organics.  We also need to maintain our preventive spray program and above all, provide lots of moisture for our roses.  

Organic materials provide minerals bound in complex compounds that need to be broken down by soil microorganisms.  Since the process is limited by microorganism activity, organic materials provide nutrients slowly.  This slow rate of application will also not burn the fine feeder hair roots that are so important to the health of your roses.  Organic materials include cottonseed meal, alfalfa meal, mushroom compost, composted manure, fish meal, kelp meal, etc.  There are also some excellent pre-packaged balanced organic fertilizers on the market such as Mills Mix and Rosetone.  Regardless of what organic material you use, be sure to incorporate it into the soil and water well.  

For a little summertime pick-me-up, incorporate some fish emulsion or liquid kelp with your favorite liquid fertilizer of choice.  This will help your roses handle the stress from the hot July sun.   

There is no more important thing to roses this time of year than ample water.  If your soil has proper drainage, your roses will need to 2-3 inches of water a week.  Rather than applying a full three inches of water at one time, you’ll get more for your money by applying an inch of water three times a week.  Be sure and water early enough in the day to allow your foliage to dry before nightfall, as wet foliage at night provides the perfect environment for an outbreak of blackspot.  

When the weather is really hot, nothing feels better than a nice cool shower.  The same is true for roses.  They enjoy a nice cool shower in the heat of the day.  We like use a strong spray to “wash” our foliage, making sure to hit the undersides of the foliage, which will help keep spider mites under control. 

Be sure to continue your spray program to prevent any fungal infection.  Hot humid weather is the perfect breeding ground for the dreaded blackspot.  However, if you maintain a regular spray program aimed at preventing blackspot, you shouldn’t have any problem with the disease.  Always remember to never apply chemicals at a higher than recommended dosage as it will probably result in burnt foliage.    

The July heat can also be tough on the rosarian, so be sure and protect yourself from the sun with a good sunscreen and proper clothing.  When you’re out in the garden providing your roses with lots of water, don’t forget to provide yourself with some too.    

Remember that visitors are always welcome at our monthly meetings.  If you’re interested in learning how to grow these fascinating plants, why not check us out.