Boosts soil health, improves soil moisture and nutrient retention. Increases worm and microbial activity. Safe on roses and all flowering plants.
Feeding and mulching Feed roses in through spring to autumn using a complete rose fertiliser such as Seasol plus Nutrients Roses & Flowers. As roses are hungry feeders an additional liquid feed such as PowerFeed PRO SERIES for Roses & Flowers can be applied every 2 to 4 weeks.
Alfalfa is one of the best overall organic amendments, resulting in more vigorous growth and increased bloom production. Coffee grounds can be sprinkled around the base of rose bushes at any time during the growing season for a boost of nitrogen.
Seaweed contains a range of excellent nutrients to replenish deficiencies and generally strengthen your roses, allowing them to thrive. Ideal for providing an extra boost during the growing season.
A high-quality organic fish fertiliser (such as Charlie Carp) in either a liquid or pellet form is perfect to provide these nutrients to the plant. Charlie Carp is a perfect fit for roses as it can also be mixed with other green products such as Eco-Oil and Eco-Fungicide, providing defence against pests and diseases.
In the area where the rose or roses are to be planted, mix in at least one bucket of well-rotted organic matter per square metre, forking it into the top 20-30cm (8in-1ft) of soil. Farmyard manure is ideal for this.
A regular, generous application of well rotted animal manure or compost and blood and bone are perfect for roses. Avoid manure from animals that eat meat and use chicken manure sparingly - as these are too acidic for roses.
They are a fast-acting source for magnesium and sulfur. For soils on the alkaline side, the added sulfur is a benefit. Epsom salts, however, do not contain any of the three major components of most fertilizers—nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium—and therefore would not be a complete fertilizer for roses.
Using vinegar in flower water can help you keep your cut flowers looking fresh and vibrant for several days longer than they would without it. Adding vinegar to flower water helps to prevent bacterial growth, which is often the culprit behind wilting flowers.
Seasol is the perfect partner for any garden project. It is a natural seaweed plant tonic that gives all plants including natives a real boost and helps to improve overall plant health and growth.
The Sin: Overfertilizing. The common misconception is that more fertilizer=more blooms, but roses only need so much fertilizer, and adding too much synthetic fertilizer can kill natural soil bacteria and/or lead to salt burn, which can both harm your plant.
Rose leaves turn yellow because the pH of the soil is too high, or there's not enough iron in the soil. It can also be caused by a lack of oxygen when the plants are overwatered or the soil doesn't drain easily. You may see the leaf veins turn yellow while the leaves are still green.
Formulated for acid-soil plants eg blueberries, magnolias, camellias, azaleas, gardenias, as well as roses.
Seasol plus Nutrients Roses & Flowers can be applied any time during the growing season. Generally, apply it every 6 to 8 weeks or as needed.
You can't overdose on Seasol. It's not a Fertiliser. But it does have amazing healing qualities. One capful in a 10 litre watering can will treat around 4m2.
Yes, because Seasol is virtually phosphorous-free it is safe to use on phosphorous sensitive native plants. You can use it on every type of plant in the garden.
Baking Soda.
This can act as a fungicide. Dilute 1 teaspoon to 1 quart of warm, soapy water and spray on your roses' leaves. The baking soda will treat and prevent diseases like black spot, while the soap helps it stick, and is also mildly effective at smothering many insects pests.
Products like household baking soda, bleach, or vodka can be great flower food dupes as they can also help extend the life of your flowers by preventing bacterial growth. Other products like aspirin and vinegar or Sprite and sugar can help naturally feed the flowers.
Mix one tablespoon of vinegar with one cup of water. Add one and a half tablespoons of baking soda plus one tablespoon of dish soap and one tablespoon of vegetable oil (or any other cooking oil). Stir this mixture into one gallon of water, and spray it on your roses' foliage.
Adding Epsom salts to soil that already has sufficient magnesium can actually harm your soil and plants, such as by inhibiting calcium uptake. Spraying Epsom salt solutions on plant leaves can cause leaf scorch. Excess magnesium can increase mineral contamination in water that percolates through soil.
Air pockets can form inside the stem which stops water from reaching the Rose head, causing them to droop. Before adding your Roses to the vase, simply place each stem into boiling water for about 30 seconds to help clean any air pockets.
For ongoing rose care, mix one tablespoon of Epsom salts per gallon of water and apply as a foliar spray. You may need several gallons of water for larger rose bushes and climbers. A word of caution: Epsom salts sprayed on leaves can cause leaf scorch. Do not over apply and do not spray on hot, sunny days.
Dynamic Lifter for Roses has an ideal balanced formula for promoting growth as well as flowering. It is relatively high in potassium which also improves disease resistance.
Primarily a rich source of calcium, eggshells help roses by strengthening the walls of the plant's cell tissue. When rose plant parts are at their sturdiest, they are better able to fight off disease and pests.
Fertilize your roses a minimum of twice a year: once in spring, and once again in mid to late summer. In between, look to feed roses every month to ensure healthy growth.