Mulch is a layer of protective covering that sits above your soil. A mulch is good under your roses for several reasons. First, it helps to hold down the growth of weeds. Second, it helps to keep the water from evaporating out of the soil. Third, it helps to keep the temperature even and insulates it from both excess heat or cold. Fourth, it makes earthworms stay at a higher level in the soil where they do more good for the soil improvement.

This question can have a number of valid responses depending on what materials are available at a reasonable price. Agricultural products which are common in one area may be impossible to find in other areas. Many rosarians here on the Northern California coastline prefer to use shredded redwood bark which lasts a long time as it breaks down slowly. It also has a natural, pleasing appearance and stays in place quite well.

While there may be fussy people who only use pure bat guano or some other rather exotic manure, there are a number of manures which are useful in the rose garden. Price of course is a big factor for most gardeners, especially if they have a large garden. In nurseries, steer manure and chicken manure are usually available and they are not supposed to contain weed seeds. Though if you go with the steer manure be aware that its unpleasant odor may linger in your garden for quite some time.

Homeowners and professional arborists depend on mulch in landscapes for several reasons. Functionally, mulches discourage weeds from growing, conserve moisture during drought periods, and allow better use of water by controlling runoff and increasing water-holding capacity of light, sandy soils. Mulches help maintain a uniform soil temperature.

I'm in 8th grade, and I need to build a hydroponic garden for $25.00, or less, for my science fair project. I looked EVERYWHERE and found nothing for that price range. The garden isn't supposed to be the latest model, but it's supposed to GROW!!!!! If anyone has any information, or can donate, or lend something, PLEASE ANSWER. Leave your e-mail address, or something. THANKYOU FOR AT LEAST READING!!! Sincerly, I.M.

The proper tool for most pruning is a sharp clean set of bypass pruners. Anvil pruners should not be used for roses as they crush the stem being cut. A saw or lopping shears may be used to cut very large canes (1/2 inch diameter or greater) All pruning cuts on canes greater than 1/4 inch diameter should be sealed with nail polish or glue to prevent cane borers from entering. Proper pruning will help keep a rose bush healthy.

Absolutely not! Although pine bark is extensively promoted as an inexpensive soil conditioner and/or mulch it is actually the very worst organic material you could use (with the exception of saw dust, which may be worse). You should avoid all forms of pine bark, regardless if it is raw, aged or composted.

No! Sawdust should not be used as a soil amendment or mulch. As a fresh soil amendment, it is very slow to decompose, is void of nutrient content, is a poor aerator due to its small particle size, does not significantly aid in moisture retention and can cause severe nitrogen tie-up in the soil.

Yes. However, wait until the soil has a chance to warm up. Maintaining a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch is all that is necessary.

We tested 27 mulches in the field, and found that some supported more artillery fungus than others. In this study, resistant mulch was the large pine bark nuggets. The large bark nuggets stay hard and dry, conditions that the artillery fungus does not like. Cypress mulch also performed well, as it probably contains some anti-fungal, anti-decay chemical(s).

Interestingly, homeowners that put down new mulch each year generally have less of the artillery fungus problem. But, we have not confirmed this practice. But it does seem to work. Don't miss a year!

You really need to ask this question to a compost expert, but most good mulch today is composted to some degree. However, I would insist on a thoroughly composted mulch.

Granular fertilizers are more persistent in the soil; they are absorbed more slowly and last longer. They can be incorporated into the soil at planting or they can also be broadcast onto the surface of the soil of existing plants. Super phosphate, frequently lacking in western soils, is essential for plentiful flowers and strong root growth. Grow Power is an excellent all-purpose fertilizer especially for lawns. It should be worked into the soil when planting turf and ornamental grasses.

Free mulch for residential use is available at the Solid Waste Complex, 1701 N. Hercules Ave., and Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Ln. Please bring a shovel and containers. For hours, please call (727) 562-4920. For full information on free mulch in Pinellas County, call the hotline at (727) 464-7500. Mulch at collection centers is for residential use only. For pick up of bulk quantities or commercial use, please call (727) 464-7500. Back to Top

In most cases, no, you should not cover your plants for the wintertime. A protective mulch (salt marsh hay, pine boughs, straw, etc.) can be applied after the ground is frozen, and removed with the first thaw. Here in the Midwest that is very hard to do - since we typically have a December thaw, a January thaw, and Feb. and March thaws. The biggest killer of perennials is having the crown of the plant smother (or rot) in the late winter/ early spring.

Answer: Almost all of the Rugosa roses are very fragrant -- and they're easy to grow. In addition to the Rugosa's the following roses are also fragrant: Cuthbert Grant and Rosa mundi. For more information about using the roses we offer, visit our online catalog. Answer: We have our favorites, of course, which biases this answer, but here's our suggested list for Zone 4: This list can be expanded, depending on your preference and favorites.

Answer: We get this question alot! I guess it's important to those of you giving roses as gifts -- you don't want it to send the wrong message! As far as we can determine, this is what the following rose colors signify: For more information on rose color, especially the names used to describe the color, visit the American Rose Society Web site.

It depends on where you live, and just how cold it gets there. In mild winter areas we generally recommend pruning back in the winter in January or February. In colder climates light pruning may be necessary to prepare you plants for cold weather insulation but the final pruning is done in the Spring after the danger of hard frost has past.