How do you grow roses in sandy soil?
I live in the Sunset district of San Francisco. Any advise on how to grow roses in the poor soil we have here?
Best answer:
Answer by Rob E
The secret for good rose growing is to recognise that they are shallow rooted, and thus benefit from being watered and fed well. Sandy soils allow water to drain quickly, and aren't that rich in nutrients, so if you supplement your soil rose growth dramatically improves.
I'd add some animal manure that's well rotted, or just thoroughly composted garden waste, both of which will satisfy these needs. You can also mulch around the plant once in place each year, as this helps to conserve moisture and will also release nutrients as well as get taken into the soil by garden worms, thus continuing to improve it.
I garden in downtown San Francisco at a community garden and we have some great roses - it's the Howard and Langton community garden - you'll usually see some of our great roses around the perimeter fence if you drive past (it's kept locked, to keep undesirables out, but visitors are very welcome, if members are there). We do compost a lot of material, as well as share watering duties, and this keeps the roses in good condition. I'm in Europe at present, and would gladly show you around the garden some time.
As we get a lot of humidity, rose fungal infections can also be a problem here. These can be treated with fungicides, and Baking Soda sprayed onto leaves early in the season is also a good deterrent.
Overall, add as much humus into the soil as you can, and then keep a good watering schedule, due to their shallow rooted nature. They benefit from being fed well too.
Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob
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