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Expert Advice
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| Welcome to Our House online's Expert Advice. We have brought together a number of independent experts* in a variety of fields, who are available to answer your individual queries on a wide range of home improvement topics. Read through previously asked questions, or submit your own. *Please note that these experts are completely independent of the Our House television show, and any segments that have been shown on the TV programme. If you are looking for information on a TV segment, search our archives. |
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Perfect roses (Submitted on 14/04/2001)
Question :
What NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratio is best for fertilising roses?
Answer :
This is a good question as the preparation of the soil is vital to stimulate the growth of the rose. Roses prefer heavy clay loam that has been thoroughly tilled and enriched with organic matter. Organic fertilisers can be bought. To answer your question, these should have the three basic elements -- nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium or NPK. The ratio should be 6-2-1.
You can also custom make your own organic matter by composting and adding this to the soil. The drainage, aeration and moisture content will all be improved with the addition of organic matter. Add lime to very acid soils and add organic matter to alkaline soils. If you have your soil tested, it should test with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8 for maximum results. To prepare the bed, dig it to a depth of 2 feet. Remove the soil and mix in the organic matter, adjust the pH by using additives and refill the bed just slightly lower than your lawn. This will let it hold water when flooded.
All additions to the soil should be complete three months before planting your roses. This will allow the soil to settle properly.
Best of luck with your roses. |
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