January To Do List For Roses

January To-Do List For Roses:

~ Roses that were fed at the end of winter or in early spring will need their second big feed in summer (January).

~ January is a good month for a summer prune. Cut back the once flowering roses because they need to be pruned now rather than in winter (?). The repeat bloomers can have a general tidy up ready for February flowers.

~ Check the base of roses to see if winds have rocked the bud union out of soil. A rose rocking on its roots is not happy so add more soil, tramp down firmly, and tie the rose to a strong stake if necessary.

~ Spray roses with skim milk and water - half and half - to discourage fungi like black spot and rust.

~ You can feed them at the same time by adding liquid fertiliser (seaweed or fish) to the mix.

~ Keep picking roses or deadheading to encourage the plant to keep on flowering.

Source : NZ Gardener