May means time to fertilize roses with higher percentage of phosphate

Looking at past columns, I discovered that we haven't had normal seasonal weather for awhile now. This year, gardens are two to six weeks earlier than average for this time of year. Because of the warmer-than-normal temperatures, the ground has remained warm and encouraged plants to grow and mature faster. Most roses are at least in the second cycle of bloom. I have some that are near the end of their second cycle. In most cases they are peaking or fading. Maybe there will be an extra bloom cycle this year!

This month's column is still what to do in your garden to help bring your roses back into bloom production, no matter what condition your roses are in.

When blooms fade, it is best to remove them ("dead head") and to dispose of them completely. Don't leave them in your garden or compost pile. Make sure to put into your green waste barrel for professional composting. It's unlikely that all blooms are at the same stage of development. If there are multiple blooms just remove those that are faded. Continue shaping the bush for best production by pruning the cane to an outward facing bud. Each leaf axil has a bud. Knowing this makes it easy to discern an outward facing bud. If possible, select a bud on a cane about the diameter size of a wooden pencil.

Continue fertilizing; hopefully you are ready for the fourth application; organic, I trust. As I always say, organics are much better for your soil and ultimately for your garden and the environment. The soil microbiology is complex and multi-tiered. A healthy garden soil system is teeming with beneficial microbes which create a sustainable soil "immune system." In fact, plants grown with organic fertilizers are themselves more resistant to pests and diseases. If organic fertilizers are used continually you will use less over time and save money as well as building a more viable sustaining healthy soil.

Many gardeners become discouraged when they first experiment with organic treatments while still using chemical fertilizers. It is difficult, in fact, almost impossible, to have it both ways. Chemical fertilizers negatively impact the soil food web by killing off entire portions of it. Chemical fertilizers are salts!

Salts absorb water and dehydrate the soil microbes which are the foundation of the soil nutrient system. Once you've used chemical fertilizers regularly you must keep adding more because the soil microbiology is weakened and unable to do its job of releasing naturally available nutrients to your plants.

Chemical fertilizers are artificial growth stimulants and they quickly leach through the soil (becoming unavailable to your plants) and enter the ground water. On the other hand, organic amendments (such as manure, compost, or mulch) stay where you put them, break down slowly, and don't contribute to ground water pollution (as long as you prevent run off into drains). In addition, they improve the soil food web, so in the long run you end up using less product. How about swearing off chemical fertilizers for the rest of the year and start using organics? Give it a year. See if your roses don't reward you!

For this month's application of fertilizer, I recommend using one with higher percentage of phosphate. If the product has the NPK numbers on the packaging the middle number reflects phosphate. Phosphate helps to strengthen root systems and aids the plant to withstand stress from warmer temperatures and also assists in bloom production. Caution: Never fertilize a plant while it is water stressed. Always water the day before applying any fertilizer and then water it in.

I've noticed that powdery mildew is present this year in most gardens. While not too obvious, keep an eye for worsening condition. Treating is dependent on your level of acceptance. There are some organic formulas using neem oil, insecticidal soaps, baking soda, etc. Do not use a formula that treats everything. Use only a product specifically for the problem. Read the labels and use accordingly and use safety equipment to avoid exposure to contaminates if you choose chemical.

Get out there and spread the word and the joy of roses!