Hello, fellow gardening enthusiasts! Today, I'm thrilled to share my weekend adventure as I prepared my beloved roses for the harsh Toronto winter. As temperatures drop and frosty winds begin to blow, it's crucial to give our roses the TLC they deserve to ensure they thrive come springtime. Here is what I have done last weekend to prepare my roses for the winter:
Step 1: Cleaning Up
The first order of business was cleaning up the garden bed. I removed any garbage, fallen leaves, and sickly-looking leaves from the soil surface. This step helps prevent the growth of mold, fungi, and diseases during the winter months.
Step 2: Light Pruning
Next, I turned my attention to pruning. While it's tempting to prune heavily in the fall, I exercised caution. I only trimmed the black, weak, and sick canes. The reason behind this is that the Toronto area experiences incredibly cold winters, and roses may not have enough time to heal their wounds before winter sets in. Pruning too much can also allow moisture to escape, making the canes more susceptible to drying out in gusty winds. I made a note to come back in the spring to prune any die-back canes. Remember, do not do any structural pruning, especially roses that are less than 2 years old.
Step 3: Soil Amendment
The heart of preparing my roses for winter lies in amending the soil. To feed my garden soil with the nutrients it needed, I used my personal recipe:
- 2 bags of 12KG sheep manure: Sheep manure is rich in organic matter, providing valuable nutrients to the soil. It helps improve soil structure and enhances water retention, ensuring that the roses have access to the nutrients they need when they wake up in the spring.
- 2 cups (350ML) of alfalfa meal: Alfalfa meal is a fantastic addition to your soil. It enriches the earth with nitrogen, potassium, and other essential minerals. It also helps in the formation of beneficial microbes, promoting healthier, more vibrant roses.
- 1 cup of bone meal: Bone meal is an excellent source of phosphorus, which is essential for root development and overall plant health. It encourages strong root growth, setting the stage for a bountiful bloom in the spring.
By mixing these amendments into the soil, I ensured my roses had a nutritious feast to sustain them throughout the cold months.
Step 4: Covering the Crown
To protect the delicate crown of my roses, I generously applied the soil amendment mixture around the base of each rose plant. This extra layer of protection shields the crown from freezing temperatures and harsh winter winds.
Step 5: Mulching
The final step in my winterizing process was mulching. I covered the entire bed with a thick layer of mulch, which acts as a cozy blanket for the roses. Mulch helps insulate the soil, maintain consistent temperatures, and prevents root damage from frost.
Absolutely, it's important to note that the steps I've previously mentioned are crucial, but there are a couple of additional preparations to ensure your roses make it through the winter in top shape.
Step 6: Late Fall Spraying
When the weather forecast predicts a week free of rain in November, it's an ideal time to perform a late fall spray on your roses. I use a combination of lime Sulphur and neem oil for this purpose. Here's why these two substances are so beneficial:
- Lime Sulphur: Lime Sulphur is a natural fungicide and insecticide. It's effective in controlling various diseases like powdery mildew and black spot, which can overwinter in the soil and on the rose canes. By spraying the garden with lime sulfur, we can help kill off any disease spores or pests' eggs, preventing them from wreaking havoc during the winter months.
- Neem Oil: Neem oil is another powerful tool in our gardening arsenal. It has insecticidal and miticidal properties, making it effective against overwintering pests like aphids and spider mites. Neem oil also acts as a repellent, discouraging future infestations.
It's important to spray the surface of the soil and the rose canes thoroughly. If the weather allows, I recommend spraying twice with a one-week interval in between. This strategy ensures that any lingering pests or diseases are effectively eliminated, giving your roses the best chance for a healthy winter.
To read more about organic solution lime sulfur and neem oil, please go to my other post.
Step 7: Late November to Early December Preparations
As winter creeps in and the temperature drops close to or below freezing in late November and early December, it's time to take additional protective measures. I start by removing the remaining leaves from the rose bushes. These leaves can harbor disease spores and pests, so it's crucial to get rid of them.
Once the leaves are removed, I cover the rose bushes with burlap and other winter cover materials. (You can read about how to cover your roses and what choices you have with my other post here) However, until the temperatures plummet, it's perfectly fine to let your roses bask in the frosty nights and enjoy the sunshine during the daytime. This gradual transition allows the roses to acclimate to the changing weather conditions without sudden shocks.
And with that, my roses were all set for a cozy winter's nap. By following these steps, we can ensure that our roses will wake up rejuvenated and ready to dazzle us with their beautiful blooms come spring.
So, fellow garden enthusiasts, don't forget to pamper your roses this winter, and they'll reward you with a breathtaking display of colors when the warmth returns. Happy gardening!
Comments