Organic rose gardening is becoming increasingly popular among rose enthusiasts. Roses have been grown by people for thousands of years before man-made chemicals were ever invented and therefore these chemicals do not have to be depended on to have a gorgeous garden of roses. By maintaining an organic yard you are able to increase the longevity of your roses plus keep your family, pets, and wildlife away from harmful chemicals.
For millions of years, the environment, plants and wildlife have been much better off without the chemicals and pesticides that have come along in just the past few decades. Since plants absorb nutrients and water from their roots, they enjoy the benefit of natural composting from the worms and other organisms. The photosynthesis process that the leaves go through is what generates energy, water and sunlight for the rest of the plant. Using chemicals that aren’t part of the natural composting process can be harmful to this natural cycle. Beneficial bacteria protect the roots of the roses, and when the cycle is interrupted with chemicals, it can allow harmful bacteria to overtake the plant. Roses can become dependent on chemical fertilizers over a period of time because they weaken their natural defenses.
Growing roses organically is inexpensive and easy. You are simply leaving out the purchase of chemical fertilizers and pest control. You are still able to feed the soil and care for your roses without these things. Some soil might need a little help. The best way to do that is to work compost into the soil of a new garden or as a top dressing or mulch in an existing garden. Anyone can start a compost pile in their yard by adding decaying plant clippings, animal waste, grass clippings, dried leaves, and even kitchen scraps like fruit peels or fish heads to a pile and allowing it to decompose over time. There are several different, easy ways to create a compost pile in a container or in a pile but most ways require you to stir the pile to ensure that all of the compost is decaying properly.
Organic rose gardening doesn’t mean you are helpless against pests. There are beneficial insects that can help your garden and keep the other pesky insects under control. Pesticides can be as harmful to your plants as they are to some insects that damage the roses you are trying to protect because they will kill the beneficial insects that keep the bad ones away. Lady bugs and certain kinds of wasps are considered beneficial, while birds, frogs, lizards, and snakes can keep pest problems in check. You can always purchase organic or natural pesticides that are less toxic, yet equally effective, if natural methods don’t seem to be working. Killing an insect that is a pest is easier to do this way, as well.
The goal in rose planting is to grow the largest blooms, the most fragrant, and over all the most beautiful roses around. This task can be accomplished organically by putting just as much time and effort into your garden as you would put money into chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides.
Learn more about Organic Rose Gardening. Stop by Amelia Hess’s site where you can find out all about organic rose gardening and what it can do for you.