Even in late autumn, there is no rest from gardening. This time we take a closer look at roses, which are quite demanding plants. If we do not protect them before winter, threads will come out of flowering in spring. First of all, we cannot forget about… mulching. Check what to sprinkle the bushes with.
Mulch under shrubs is an aesthetic addition to the garden, but above all it is intended to improve the condition of plants. This also applies to plants that require this treatment in November, before the soil freezes.
What are the benefits of mulching roses? The mulch acts as thermal insulation. In winter, it protects the roots against frost. Due to this protection, diseases are less likely to occur. In spring, we will provide the plant with more new shoots with flowers. Flowering will be more intense and longer.
It is not only in winter that it is worth mulching roses. The mulch also protects against moisture loss in summer, especially during periods of drought. In addition, it cools the soil and prevents the growth of weeds that compete with shrubs for nutrients.
In addition, natural mulch that decomposes improves the structure of the substrate and enriches it with nutrients. However, remember that while mulching roses is not necessary in summer, it must be done in winter.
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A sudden frost can cause rose bushes to die from below. Therefore, the roots must be well protected using well-distributed, permeable materials, i.e.:
- composed – additionally provides the plant with valuable nutrients and improves their overall condition;
- kora – also useful in summer because it protects against overheating;
- garden soil with peat – retains moisture well and improves soil conditions;
- fallen leaves – there are many of them in gardens with trees, they provide the soil with humus.
We should make a mound of the selected mulch 20-30 cm high. This layer will protect the specimens from frost and strong wind.
In November, we must protect not only the roots of roses, but also their upper parts. If we do not do this, in spring the bushes will have dead or diseased parts.
How else to protect roses against winter? We need to cover them with agrotextile, but not tightly. Before doing this, however, you should gently tie the shoots with string. Additionally, you can wear a wind protection jacket on top of the specimens.
Let’s remember that control the wintering condition of these plants. In February, during the thaw, the covers should be ventilated to prevent mold from developing.
