Don't have a clue on that - hope someone who understands fertilization better than I will offer an opinion.

Judith

In my zone 9, we fertilize in March: Basic Monthly Rose Care Calendar. I'm not sure how it will differ in your zone. Some people feed in February with organics such as alfalfa and fish emulsion: Exhibitors Rose Care Calendar.

Alameda,

If your roses have been meeting or exceeding your expectations under your current fertilization program, I would not make any changes, and would not give them an additional 8-8-8 application.

I believe less is better than too much. You can always up the fertilizer rations if the roses need it, but once applied in too heavy of an application, you cannot take it back. You just tough out the consequences, sometimes not very good ones.

Too lush growth is possible. This means more disease and insect issues.

Moses

What great information! Thank you! This inspires me to put a schedule on computer, then write it on a calendar so it will be easy to glance at and know what I need to do and when. Concise and well written! I have one question - I have never used zinc.......does it come in a separate package, and how much of it do I use?

Judith

Moses....thanks for chiming in, I always enjoy reading your posts. I have nice roses, but due to a busy schedule, I start out the year putting on organics, Epsom salts, alfalfa pellets but get behind later in spring and do neglect my fertilizing. I really want to get on a schedule, write down what I need to do, then would be more likely to do it. I do agree with you about too much is not better [which is why I wanted to ask all you experts!] I raise horses so have access to plenty of well rotted compost which I am good about applying. From the information jasminerose sent, it seems I would be better applying less but on a more scheduled time table. I have calendars for my personal schedule, for my horses/medications/breeding schedule so doing this for rose care makes perfect sense. I see photos of robust, blooming roses on this forum and feel my roses could benefit from a better fertilizing schedule. Also, I have a lot of potted roses and know that they need nutrients that are washed out when I water. I really want to grow some wonderful roses this year so really appreciate this great advice!

Judith

Judith, Zinc is on our rose care list, because we have heavy clay soil. It might not be needed for your soil. Like Moses, I too think your roses are fortunate to have an endless supply of manure and think your roses would benefit from a regular application. I wonder if your horses are given any mineral supplements, would they end up in the manure? If so, it might be the complete package.

The comments from Moses made me think about how roses are pruned and fertilized in nature. I imagine deer eating roses and leaving a deposit of manure as a thank you. Of course people aren't happy with how much they eat.

Carelessness and inattention on my part caused me to delete my previous responses just now, sorry! Cannot retrieve them...will try to be more careful in the future.

Moses

Jasminerose, if that is the case with deer, I'm golden!

I don't have clay soil so probably don't need the zinc. I am going to put the composted manure around the roses before I mulch. I read that it is best to do this rather than just putting on the mulch, but am sure that theory wouldn't work for gardeners who have no access to compost. Mine has been ageing for about 24 yrs., but the fresher stuff is more near the top. I also have chickens and have a composter I got from Lowe's. When I get time [whenever that might be!] I am going to set it up and layer the chicken manure I rake up, then leaves, then the horse compost. After awhile...this should be some good stuff! Now, to find the time!

Judith

Judith,

You're a busy person. A busy person finds the time because they are a doer by nature. I have learned that if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.

Moses

Seems no matter how much I get done, there is always more! Have had other things besides gardening to do - granddaughter's 7th birthday today, and have been picking her up after school this week, tomorrow, am going to Houston to the wonderful Southwest Fertilizer store - this week, all rose products are 15% off and I buy my Mills Magic Rose mix, etc. there. It is a Neiman Marcus of fertilizer stores and I just love poking around and seeing all the different products! Roses at nurseries are 15% off too, but wont have time to go to any and besides, have ordered from too many online ones! Edmunds order just came in, and I picked up my David Austins last week. Our weather will be 34 in the morning, but after that, no more low temps or so the weatherman says. Wish I could share some of my compost with you Moses! I have plenty and its made fresh daily!

We just had bitterly cold weather last week.......but now I see the leafless canes of the roses starting to swell with leaf buds and even a few green leaves coming out! I can prune starting Valentines Day......and cant wait! I will fertilize with organics then - so exciting!

Judith