March is the time to prepare your garden beds for the planting of new roses. Do you know what type of soil you have?
1) The correct Ph Roses like a loam consistency that is free draining and has a pH of 6.5 – 7.
2) Sandy or Clay? To find out, just do this simple water holding test: dig a hole in your garden 30cm x 30cm x 30cm and fill with water. You are aiming for the water to drain in approximately 15 minutes. Any sooner and your soil is too sandy. Any longer than 30 minutes and your soil is clay.
Sandy Soil : add organic matter and you will need to water more regularly. We recommend Rugosa Roses for coastal gardens.
Clay Soil – add Gypsum to the top of the soil and let soak down into the soil layers to improve drainage. You will need to repeat it annually.
3) Acidic or Alkaline? If your soil is too acidic, you will need to add lime to your soil. If it's too alkaline, you will need to add sulphur to your soil.
4) What you need to add If your garden bed doesn’t need any alterations, then you can add well aged compost, bird or animal manure and SEAMUNGUS (plus watering) to increase the microbe activity in your soil. Most instructions will tell you to dig into the top layer of the soil, but the no dig method also works.
By having the perfect environment for your rose, you are preparing for a successful root take with healthy growth and beautiful roses.
5) And what to avoid Do not build up your garden bed with Potting Mix! Potting Mix is too airy and is not suitable for your garden bed – it should only go in pots. Garden soil should only be in the garden and not used in pots as it is too heavy, holds too much water and you will never be able to get the rose out.
If you would like to add a rose or two to your current order, please don’t hesitate to send an email to, [email protected] or call Kelly during office hours on 08 8739 3321. | 
