Gardening expert's simple job to do now for healthy roses in spring
Gardening expert's simple job to do now for healthy roses in spring
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As we linger in the chilly grasp of winter, our rose bushes remain dormant, storing energy and warding off damage from freezing temperatures – meaning gardeners usually get a break from their care. Yet, Josie Irons, a seasoned Cotswold gardener and founder of Fashion Mumblr, stresses the importance of seizing the moment as this slumber draws to a close. She urges: "If you haven't yet pruned your roses, now is a great time to do it, as it's a job that's got to be done before all of the new growth begins in the spring.".
Pruning is best done when roses wake from their dormancy and embark on new growth, typically between late January to mid-February in southern England or Wales. For those in chillier areas such as northern England, Northern Ireland or Scotland, patience is a virtue, with the ideal pruning window stretching from late February to early March.
Many gardeners are hesitant to brandish their pruning shears, fearing overzealous cuts or targeting the wrong stem; however, roses are resilient and often shrug off such blunders. Pruning these flowers is quite straightforward; it's essentially about tidying up and promoting airflow to the plant's lower regions – crucial for the prevention of disease spread.
Notably, maladies like black spot predominantly travel through moisture, making it paramount to ensure stems enjoy ample space and avoid entanglement, thus remaining dry. How to prune roses, reports the Express. Firstly, gear up with a long-sleeved top and a pair of gardening gloves to protect yourself from any pesky rose thorns. You'll also need some trusty gardening shears and a bit of rubbing alcohol to disinfect your shears after each snip, which helps prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
