After a long cold winter it is a joy to be greeted by the arrival of spring time. Nothing is better than on cool spring morning than a stroll around your rose bushes and plants to see how well they have survived the winter. Almost as soon as the weather warms up you can see the green canes sprouting new buds, knowing that each growth will bring a bounty of blossoms all season long.

To get ready for your roses there are some basic things that you have to do in those early spring days. First of all you need to remove any soil or protection that you have placed around the plants for the winter. Be careful so as to not damage any of the roots but exposing your awakening bushes to the springtime sun will give them the warmth they need to come back to life.

Next remove any damages canes that did not make it through the winter and clear away any leaves or debris that have accumulated around the plants or bushes. Prune any dead branches or canes to give more room and sustenance to the survivors. Now is the time to add compost and other organic materials to the soil and gently till the earth so that it is de-compacted from the winter frost and can drain freely and easily.

Once the soil is ready you can add any new plants or bushes to your garden including any plants that you have containerized for the winter. You can also begin spraying your fungicide treatment as long as it is warm enough. It’s never too early to deal with the diseases that can attack your precious roses. Watch out for insects like aphids that may appear in April and either spray them off or apply an insecticide. You can also give your roses a meal of rose food and remember to water them well after their first and each subsequent feeding. Unless you have had a particularly wet month of April it is wise to begin your watering program in early May. Make sure to soak the roots and be careful about watering the leaves too much.

May is also the time that you can begin deadheading your roses. This will encourage new budding and blooms and result in a much better looking flower garden. After the first rush of blossoms you can apply an organic substance to your rose beds that could include fish or blood meal. You can also add manure and compost to the soil around your roses so that the ground has an adequate supply of nutrients to feed your hungry and growing plants.

Now your spring rose gardening is at its peak and as long as you continue to watch for insects and water well your garden should be glowing with rose blossoms. Take the time to sit and enjoy the beauty that you and creation have made together. You have earned the rewards of spring rose gardening.