Homemade Recipes for Rose Food
A general rule for roses is to "fertilize, fertilize and fertilize more." Tall roses with beautiful, large blooms usually require heavy fertilization. Although chemical fertilizers work, proper amounts can be difficult to estimate and over fertilization can be a problem. Organic fertilizers work slower than chemical fertilizers, but solve the problem of over fertilization. By applying frequent, liberal applications of homemade rose food, you will improve the size and quality of your rose bushes and blossoms.
Organic Fertilizer
In a quart-sized glass container or liquid measuring cup, combine 2 tbsp. powdered fish fertilizer, 1 tsp. kelp extract, 1 tbsp. Epsom salts, 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp. molasses and 3 cups of water. Whisk the mixture to remove the lumps. Pour the mixture into a 2-gallon watering can and fill the can with water. The resulting fertilizer is enough for between two and four rose bushes. Water the roses after applying the fertilizer to force it to lower root levels.
- A general rule for roses is to "fertilize, fertilize and fertilize more."
- Organic fertilizers work slower than chemical fertilizers, but solve the problem of over fertilization.
Mushroom Manure Food
To make a larger batch of rose food, combine a bag of mushroom manure (about 28 L) with 1 cup of lime, 1 cup all-purpose organic plant food, 1 cup worm casings and 12 crushed egg shells. Add 2 inches of the mixture around your rose bushes and water in.
Fish & Bonemeal Food
If you need to have variable amounts of organic rose food, this recipe is easily converted to suit your quantity needs. Combine one part fish meal, one part alfalfa meal, one part greensand, one part gypsum and 1/2 part bone meal. Mix the ingredients thoroughly. Sprinkle the mixture around your roses before each watering and rub it into the soil before applying the water.
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Although he grew up in Latin America, Mr. Ma is a writer based in Denver. He has been writing since 1987 and has written for NPR, AP, Boeing, Ford New Holland, Microsoft, RAHCO International, Umax Data Systems and other manufacturers in Taiwan. He studied creative writing at Mankato State University in Minnesota. He speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese, English and reads Spanish.
