Roses

January - Water roses every two weeks if it hasn't rained regularly. Prune hybrid Tea roses this month for larger blossoms.

February - Plant new rose bushes (do not fertilize them) in a sunny, well-drained site. You may prune your rose heavily now in the middle of the month. Clean out beds to prevent disease. Water new and established roses once a week. Plant bare root roses no later than this month. Watch out for aphids. Spray with fungicide.

March - Prune and feed every two weeks.

April - Continue watering regularly. Roses may have some powdery mildew on them. Spray with copper according to the label. Watch for aphids.

May - Fertilize your roses every three to four weeks.

June - Cut out all dead wood and the oldest canes. Fertilize lightly. Water 2 inches each week. Cut off spent blooms.

July - Water your roses twice a week this month, and fertilize twice this month. Watch out for spider mites (strong blasts of water from the water hose or the of insecticidal soap will help control these pest.

August - Water your roses twice a week this month, and fertilize twice this month. Watch out for spider mites.

September - Check the beds for mulch protection. Cut out dead limbs and weak wood. Water in the morning to prevent Black Spot. Spray a fungicide before or after for Black spot.

October - Well water your roses. Cut out dead or unhealthy wood, but DO NOT prune heavily. Fertilize lightly now.

November - Stop feeding them, but continue to water them once a week, if there has not been any rain. Feed lightly, but not with nitrogen. DO NOT prune now.