Yes, I would recommend that you become an avid organic rose gardener. Then, at least, the nature will take it course so that the roses you planted will benefit from a healthy soil and environment.

I testify I don't get any black spot or tangible inset damages in my organic garden. I have a drip system for this garden. But, during a hot dry spell of summer, knowing the drip is not enough, I water frequently all over on the leaves. It is kind of dry side mostly.

It is amazing because the other non-organic rose garden near by has black spot, rust, powdery mildew even they try to control with fungicide in regular schedule. Also, I noticed it is generally over watered. The ground is disgustingly wet all the time.

I don't know about Japanese Beetles because here it has not spread yet. But, you have to realize that Japan, where the insect came from, does not have this problem becuase the other insects control them.

I would definitely suggest you go organic and use less water.

Bonide has a drench product that will take care of the Black Spot and most insects. It is easy to use and pretty effective. Unfortunately if you have heavy Japanese beetle pressure as I do, you will probably have to spray once or twice weekly with a contact insectide. A university entomologyist advised me that it was important to start control measures early because when the first beetle found a good meal, he would invite all his friend over to devoir your roses.

I also think an important first step is to plant disease resistant roses for your area. This requires research and asking many questions of people in your area.

My first attempt at growing roses was a disaster because I went to the nursery and bought what was pretty. None of them survived, and it was many years before I attempted roses again, and that was when I stumbled on the antiques forum with all their wonderful advice and then of course this forum. Now I have beautiful, healthy roses suitable for my environment. I also garden organically.

Different stokes for different folks. It all depends on YOU and what you want to grow. I grow a lot of HT's that will get black spot if not sprayed with a fungecide.I follow instructions and my roses stay clean. No black spot all year. As far a Jap. Beatles goes, I do it the old fashion way. I use an old coffee container, put a little very soapy water in the bottom, walk through the garden a least once a day knocking them into the can. They only last a couple of weeks in my area. This way they don't have ANY chance of laying any eggs.

thank you all for all of your advice. i am so excited to start gardening this year. i am going to try the organic and see if this will work first, if it doesn't im going to revert back to the other and i will try the bonide. I believe my aunt uses that for her other plants

Thanks, Ken, for that smart-tip. J.B. tend to fall down into the ground when I tried to smash them. It's nice to catch them with a old coffee container with soapy water. Thank you.

One thing Rebeccah -- IF you have been using chemical sprays and drenches to try to control disease in the garden, and you want to "go organic," there is going to be a transition period that can be enough to try the patience of a saint.

When we made that change, I think it took almost two years for beneficial insects to move in, to help me control "bad bugs," but eventually they did come.

We went out of our way to learn what roses would be resistant to the diseases that are common in our area. When some roses proved to be particularly susceptible, they were removed -- and replaced with those that were resistant. Now, there's really no need for sprays here. It just took a few years, and the courage to stick with it.

WE had a strong reason to quit spraying.
Every time we sprayed, our dog went into horrible grand mal type seizures.

Suddenly, eliminating every speck of mildew paled in importance. He lived a long and healthy life without seizures, and I'm sure our health was also helped.

Part of the secret to success at living without sprays is being willing to accept something slightly short of perfection.
Part of it is being willing to eliminate plants that can't grow without chemicals.
Part of it is having the patience to wait while Ma Nature takes time to make it all balance.

Don't be afraid to come here, with more questions.

Jeri

Last year was the first year for Japanese beetles, they are rampant in Springfield, and Joplin, and last year was the first year for growing roses. We have been here over 10 years, and it's sad to see them around.

I heard a long while ago that you need to get out early in the morning and look for them, they send out 'scouts' and if you are there for that first wave, you can stay ahead of them.

I did try the soapy water thing, it is effective, but last year I tried the "stealth method" after I saw more beetles flying off when they were startled.

I kept behind them, upwind and so I wouldn't cast a shadow on them, and carefully pinched them off my crepe myrtles one or two at a time, and then I'd slip them into my pockets-gross, but it worked. I was able to capture more beetles that way than with the container of soap and water.

I hope that the farmers near me grow a different crop this year, they had planted soybeans, and the beetles like them.

yes the beetles are rampant here in tennessee as well. I do worry about my dogs eating pesticides on my roses. I just really hope for beautiful roses this year. i tried beetle traps last year. They didn't work at all. The beetles are so bad here, I've counted 10 on each bloom

Egad! Never use those beetle traps! Unless you're going to put them in the neighbors yard down the block! They use pheromones to attract the beetles and so you end up with more instead of less. Try putting Grub X or some like grub killing product down on the lawn in early spring. It will kill the grubs in the soil that later emerge as Japanese Beetles. You'll have to do it for several years to get them under control and it won't get rid of all of them but will decrease the population somewhat. And you'll have to reapply it every couple of years to keep them down. It's not a cure all but it will help.

As for whether you want to go organic or use chemicals it's entirely up to you. There are some "safer" products available but they are not always as effective and are still chemicals. Green Cure and Serenade are two that I've tried with fair results. Or you can find roses that are naturally less disease prone and learn to love them spots and all!