|
Well, the Rose Chafer Beetles are here. They are a huge nuisance to the light colored flowers for about three weeks in late April to mid May. This means that often the most beautiful flowers of the season are wasted. Cut as many flowers as possible for bouquets inside.
Sprays, such as permethrins or sevin will kill the beetles on
contact. A grub killer granule product spread over the lawn will reduce the number for the next year.
Organic methods, such as Beneficial Nematodes are also effective at killing the larva in the ground.
This is also a good month for a second application of fertilizer. Aphids can still be a problem until Summer, so the Bayer systemic with rose food works great now for a six week feeding. For organic gardeners, Dr. Earth Rose and Flower Food is the best thing that I have used for beautiful roses.
Watch for mildew and black spot and treat as needed. Be glad we don’t live in high humidity area of the country where black spot can be devastating.
Last, enjoy all those beautiful flowers.
Dave
February is a pretty easy month for roses.
Your Roses should have been cut back this Winter, but if
not, there is still time. Clean up and remove all
the old leaves as they may harbor pest eggs or fungal
spores. Spraying with a Copper dormant spray will
help prevent many diseases. The addition of a
horticultural oil will also kill over wintering insects.
This month it is time for the first fertilizing of
the season. I recommend you use either Master Nursery Rose
& Flower Food or Dr.Earth Rose & Flower Fertilizer.
|