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Roses: Basic Care, Common Diseases and Organic Remedies Advice from a master rosarian on identifying and treating rose diseases From "Dirt On Gardening" episode DDOG-105

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Figure F

Organic Control of Common Pests

Rose pests rarely cause permanent damage. In fact, most of them have natural predators that usually keep "bad bug" populations in check if you avoid using pesticides. A great way to control pests organically is with "good bugs" such as ladybugs (figure F), praying mantis and lace wings. Many nurseries stock, or can special order, beneficial garden insects or their eggs. Simply place these bug-hungry bugs in your garden and let nature take its course. You may also want to take steps to attract beneficial bird species to your garden.

Aphids are one of the most common garden insect-pests, but also one of the easiest to control. These tiny insect, which varies in color and body shape, may or may not have wings. Aphids pierce and suck sap from young plant tissues.

Symptoms: Distorted, weak growth of leaves and shoots

Organic control methods:

• Water spray. Simply spray them off with your garden hose and sprayer attachment.
  
• If they're few in number, simply rub them off with your fingers. (Be sure to wear your gloves!)
  
• Use an organic spray. Try adding a few drops of environmentally friendly washing-up liquid to a gallon of water.
  (Important: Avoid spraying the solution on plants in full sunshine.)

Finally, remember that some varieties of roses more resistant to disease than others. One key to success in growing roses, particularly for the novice rosarian, may be the varieties you select. A good resource to find the best varieties for your area is by calling your local chapter of the American Rose Society.

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For deadheading roses, you'll need sharp pruners and a bucket to toss your clippings.

Deadheading

No, we don't mean quitting your job and going on the road with a sixties rock band. In gardening terms, deadheading is a rose growers' technique for "tricking" Mother Nature and coaxing the rose plant to produce more flowers. It's done by removing spent blooms before they go to seed.

Deadheading should not be confused with pruning which, in the case of roses, occurs in winter while the plant is dormant.

Here's how deadheading is done:

• First, make sure that your hand pruners are clean and sharp. Grab your gloves and a bucket or can to carry with you for tossing the clippings into.

  Rose-Grower's Tip: Avoid simply tossing deadheaded blooms, or other clippings, onto the ground as this could help create conditions to help diseases spread. Place the clippings in your bucket and throw them away.

• Cut the dead flowers off the cane just above the first set of five leaflets (preferably facing outwards). The cut should be on a slant, downward to the inside of the shrub (figures G and H). If the cane is weak, cut back further to strong wood that can support a new flower.

• Use time spent deadheading to check plants for insects, disease and proper watering.

• Don't forget to cut and save a few blooms to bring into the house!

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  
  
  

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  RELATED PROJECTS: Rose Diseases Planting Roses Basic Care for Roses Pruning Roses Planting a Rose Propagating Roses Top-Notch Care for Roses

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Roses: Basic Care, Common Diseases and Organic Remedies
  	Farmer Fred's Guide to Planting A Rose
  	Types of Roses
  	Heirloom Rose Preservation