Have a rose culture question? You can "ask the experts". CRS Consulting Rosarians are ready to provide advice on a wide range of rose topics. Email your question to clevrose@gmail.com.
Q. Can I grow roses in clay soil with poor drainage?
A. Maybe. Here is what I do. Dig the hole 18" deep x 18" wide. Throw the clay away. Then prepare a planting mix of 1/3 topsoil, 1/3 compost, 1/3 sand. Sometimes I will add ground pine bark to make a lighter mix. Then add a cup each of pelletized lime and organic fertilizer. Mix well. You should have enough to fill a wheelbarrow. When planting the rose, backfill the hole until a couple inches above the original level to allow water to drain away. Also, there will be some settling. Water and care for the rose per routine. I have over 100 roses planted using this technique. Hard work, but it works for me. sk
Q. Can you recommend a DIY deer repellent?
A. Sure can. Formula follows:
8-10 drops of spreader sticker (optional)
1 egg
1/2 cup milk (2% or whole)
1 Tbs Dawn liquid detergent (use less if Dawn 2X)
1 Tbs cooking oil
3 Qts of water
1 gallon jug
1 Qt spray bottle
Put a third of the water in a gallon plastic jug. Premix the egg and milk and then add to the jug. Add each of the other ingredients; shake the jug to mix before and after the final addition of water. Repellent is ready to use. Fill a spray bottle and mist plants early in the evening giving the repellent a chance to dry before night fall. Shake the jug before refilling spray bottle. Repeat after rain and every few days. cs
Q. Do you have a list of disease resistant roses for Northern Ohio?
A. Sure do. The list can be found here. cs, ct