Growing Roses Organically

Growing roses organically, or Organic rose gardening, is a way of growing beautiful roses without the use of harmful chemicals or pesticides, thus creating a better environment for you and your family.

To know how to garden organically, you must first know just what Organic Rose Gardening really means. Some people think that it means simply gardening without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This is partly true, but...it is so much more!

Growing roses organically, involves the true meaning of Nature

Your rose plants are within the system of nature that begins with the soil they grow in, the water they drink, insects and birds, and even people in the garden.

Growing roses organically keeps the garden in balance with nature by continuing to replace consumed resources.

Making your own Compost is a start to organic gardening.

                            Start with good soil

Creating Soil for Roses that contains organic matter will give your roses a good start, and you will be on the right track to growing beautiful, healthy roses.

Use Natural Defenses

Use natures defense against pests and diseases by attracting beneficial insects, as well as birds in the garden. Purchase and release some  Home Lady Beetles and Green Lacewings (both eat aphids).

Try and address small problems before they get out of control. Daily observences of the garden help to spot problems early.

Choose disease resistant varieties

Roses can be prone to many different rose disease and pests One in particular Black Spot on roses is very common, so try to avoid it by choosing roses that have a good resistance to it. if your rose does become infected, use only organic solutions.

Dont use Systemic pesticides that are harmful to the environment.

Better ways to treat your roses

Spray the rose plants with "Compost Tea". (Compost soaked in water, then strained)

Spraying the plants with 1 tablespoon baking soda, and 1 tablespoon horticultural oil (or dish soap) mix with 1 gallon of water.

Use Organic Fertilizer

Roses are very heavy feeders. They need a regular supply of the basic N-P-K elements  Nitrogen~ Phosphorus ~ Potassium

Nitrogen ~ alfalfa, fish emulsion, blood meal, fish meal, compost, seaweed,kelp, soybean meal, manures(cow is lowest)

Phosphorus ~ bone meal,colloidal phosphate, guano, manure, compost

Potassium ~ alfalfa, compost, granite dust, fish,greensand, kelp, manure, soybean meal

Be aware that to much nitrogen, can stimulate to much new growth, that can attract certain unwanted pests. You should do a soil test, to see just what your soil needs.

Nitrogen breaks down quickly,but phosphorous from bone meal or colloidal phosphate, can build up in heavy soils,and cause an imbalance.

Spring, and Fall should consist of the heaviest feedings, while lighter feedings are given in the heat of the summer.

With any fertilizer,be sure to water the rose plants well, both before and after.

Organically grown roses

More Organic Tips

Use organic garden mulch to keep down weeds and help to keep plants moist.

Use Companion plants to help deter certain garden pests. (planting garlic around roses is thought to be good for them)

Realize that your garden can not always be "Perfect" and small imperfections must be expected.

Growing roses organically is the first step in helping to "Save the Planet" and keeping all those harmful chemicals in the bottles where they belong, instead of in the ground!

Some Organic Books to Guide You

More Good Books

Home Page

Organic Roses

Growing Roses Organically with Beneficial Garden Insects

Deer Resistant Plants

Disease Resistant Roses