10 Steps to Beautiful Roses by Maggie Oster

Author:Maggie Oster
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC

Step 6 — Watering

An ample supply of soil moisture, coupled with excellent drainage, is essential for vigorous and healthy rose plants. Because of the variations in the type of soil, climatic conditions, and growth stage of the rose, it’s difficult to give hard-and-fast rules for watering. A sandy soil will need more frequent watering than a loamy one; hot, dry air causes rapid transpiration of plant moisture; young plants also have a greater need for soil moisture than established plants. These are some of the basic considerations; learn to observe and use common sense.

Assuming you have well-drained soil, a good rule-of-thumb is to never let more than the top inch or so of soil dry out during the growing season. This may necessitate watering as frequently as every couple of days during the height of summer. Mulching plays an important role in conserving water, especially under these conditions.

Water in the early morning, so if foliage gets wet it can dry out before dark, thus inhibiting diseases. Water should be applied slowly to the base of the plant. Soaker hoses, drip irrigation systems, or a bubbler attachment for the end of the hose are various solutions; these also have the advantage of keeping water from splashing onto leaves and spreading diseases. Many gardeners create a basin, or dike, at the perimeter of the foliage spread to concentrate water at the roots.

Most importantly, water slowly and deeply. The soil should be soaked at least 12 to 18 inches deep. To check this, dig down after a specified period of time. Reduce or lengthen watering period accordingly. A light watering is almost worse than none at all. Light watering encourages shallow roots that cannot adequately anchor the plant, are subject to fertilizer and cultivation damage, and need ever more frequent watering.

Roses grown in pots and tubs need very frequent watering as there is limited soil. Glazed pottery as well as wood and plastic containers lose moisture more slowly than unglazed pots. Check pots daily during the summer.

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