Where to Grow Roses

If you mention the word "Rose" a lot of people will throw their hands up in despair and say something like, "I love roses, but they are just too hard to grow!"

Sound familiar?

Well, growing roses doesn't have to be hard if you have chosen an area that they will do well in.

If you have done that, then you have given yourself a huge step forward toward growing beautiful roses that will last for years to come, because a happy rose will be healthier and more likely to fend of disease and pest problems.

The Best Place To Grow Roses

1. A Sunny Location: Roses love sunny locations, and most types need at least six hours of sun a day to do well. Keep in mind however, roses do prefer morning sun.

• Cool or Overcast Locations: If you live in area that has mostly cool and overcast days, then plant roses where they will get full sun all day long.
  
  
• Hot Summer Locations: If you live where you get intense summer heat, then you must give your roses some shelter from the scorching afternoon sun, so try planting them where there is partial shade in the afternoon.

2. Avoid Planting Near Competitive Plants: Roses like a steady supply of nutrients and water, so think about what will be growing near your roses so their roots don't have to compete for water and food.

• For example: Annuals and perennials are not competitive and can be planted all around roses, but many trees and shrubs have shallow root systems that will take a lot of the food and water that was put down for your roses.
  
  
• Just be sure you know what kind of root system any trees or shrubs have that may already be next to, or may be planted at some time next to, your roses. If you're not sure, just ask at your local garden center, they'll be able to tell you.

3. Avoid Windy Locations: Roses just don't do will in areas that have steady, strong winds because the wind batters the flowers and can cause the plants to dry out which will require you to water more often than normal. If needed, provide a wind shelter of some kind.

4. Plant In Good Loamy Soil: Roses like good loamy soil that is fast draining, but holds moisture. If you have clay soil that doesn't drain well, or sandy soil that drains too well, then take the time to improve your soil first, you will be very happy that you did.

• Use Raised Beds If Necessary If you live in an area that has a hardpan layer that is like concrete, or soil that just is really bad, then you may want to think about using a raised bed. Sometimes raised beds can save time, money, and frustration, so don't hesitate to go this route if needed.

5. Visibility: If you can, plant your roses where they will be visible from not only your patio area, but from inside the house, because you will enjoy them so much more.

So now you know where to grow roses that will make them happy, which in turn will make you happy, because healthy roses will flower better and be more resistant to insect and disease problems, which is a very good thing!

Another Article You Might Enjoy:
How to Deadhead Roses


For more Gardening Tips and Gardening Advice visit our main gardening website at Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine - www.weekendgardener.net

Have great week!

An Easier Way To Move Heavy Objects

With spring upon us, we are all going to be busy planting, digging and moving objects in our gardens.

One of the most common pieces of equipment we use to move heavy objects is a wheelbarrow, but it isn't always the best tool.

If you don't know how to load a wheelbarrow so that it's balanced correctly, you can strain your back, neck and knees pretty seriously while trying to lift, push and then dump it.

A much easier way to go is to use a wagon. Yup, just like the kind you had when you were a kid, except with higher sides perhaps.

A wagon is incredibly useful for moving fertilizer, tools and supplies, to or from the garden, and you'll really appreciate its stability compared to a wheelbarrow.

If you need to move soil or mulch just line the inside with a plastic tarp or a cut up plastic leaf bag - it's so easy.

Try it once, and you'll love the difference!

For more Gardening Tips and Gardening Advice visit our main gardening website at Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine - www.weekendgardener.net

Have great week!

Spring Lawn Mowing

Mowing Your Lawn In The Spring

When the weather begins to warm up, your lawn will start to grow as well, but don't rush out with your lawn mower just yet.

It's best to wait to give your lawn that first spring mowing until the grass has grown at least 2 inches (5 cm) or more tall.

This is because the roots are growing and renewing as well, and the grass needs vigorous top growth initially to get off to a healthy start.

As soon as your lawn has reached 2 inches (5 cm) or more in height you can start mowing again. But remember the rule of thumb: Never remove more than a third of the grass blade at any one time.

For example: If you have a bluegrass lawn which does best with a 2 inch (5 cm) cut, then let it grow to 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall and then cut it back by 1 inch (2.5 cm) to get the grass back to optimum height.

More Lawn Care Articles:

How High To Mow Your Lawn

Grow a Green, Lush Lawn - Part 1
Choosing the best grass variety for your area

Grow a Green, Lush Lawn - Part 2
Patching, Overseeding or Starting a New Lawn

For more Gardening Tips and Gardening Advice visit our main gardening website at Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine - www.weekendgardener.net

Have great week!