While we’re all waiting for our March 2019 David Austin Bareroot Rose delivery to arrive, I thought in the meantime I’d make sure you’ve all got the ground prepared so your bareroot roses can get settled into their new homes.
So this post is all about preparing the soil and planting your bareroot’s.
Introduction
By following these simple steps, you will ensure your bareroot shrub, climbing or hedge rose will get off to the best possible start.
What Your’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to plant your rose:
- Spade
- Fork
- Large bucket of water
- Watering can
- Well-rotted manure
Step 1 – Re-hydrate Your Bareroot Rose In A Bucket Of Water:
Place your bareroot shrub rose (ROOTS ONLY) in a bucket of water for 30 minutes prior to planting. This will ensure that the roots are well hydrated before planting.
Step 2 – Prepare The Soil
Using a fork, dig the soil over thoroughly and remove any weeds or stones. This will ensure that the new roots can venture freely in their new environment.
Step 3 – Dig The Hole
Dig a hole that is wide enough and deep enough to hold the rose’s roots when spread out. This should be approximately 40 cm wide and 60 cm deep.
Step 4 – Break The Soil At Base Of Hole
Using a fork, break up the soil at the base of the hole. This will allow the roots to go deeper into the soil.
Step 5 – Add Some Well – Rotted Manure
Mix a small spadeful of well-rotted farmyard manure with the soil in the bottom of the hole. This will add vital nutrients to the soil helping the rose to establish more effectively. If you can’t source manure from a local farmer, your nearest garden centre will offer something similar.
Step 6 – Position Your Rose In The Hole
Remove your rose from the bucket of water and spread the roots out. Place a bamboo cane or something similar horizontally across the top of the hole to judge if the planting depth is correct. The graft union, which is the swollen area between the roots and the stems, should be just below the bamboo cane.
Step 8 – Back Fill The Soil
Fill in and around the roots of the rose using the soil that was originally dug to make the hole.
Step 9 – Firm In
Lightly firm the soil around the rose with your foot of your boot to ensure that the rose is secure and that there are no air pockets in the soil.
Step 10 – Water
Water the rose well after planting.
Sit back and wait for Spring to arrive….
