GARDENING DIFFICULTIES 

 SOLVED 



CHAPTER I 

 The Beginner's Guide to Rose Growing 



Time to Plant Roses 



Q. When should Roses be planted? I have been advised that 

 various times are the best, and should be glad to know definitely. 

 E. S., Bucks. 



A. The best time is during the last week in October and the first 

 two weeks in November. If, however, the ground is very wet the 

 Roses should not be planted but laid in a shallow trench, the roots 

 being well covered with soil. This is commonly spoken of as 

 "laying in" or "heeling in." In such circumstances the Roses are 

 planted when the soil is dry enough to be dug without sticking 

 together in big lumps. Roses may be planted from the end of 

 October until the end of March, or in northern counties until the 

 middle of April. It is better to plant later in ground that is in 

 suitable condition than to plant early in ground that is saturated. 

 If Roses in pots are bought they may be planted at any time up to 

 June, for there is no need to disturb the roots to any appreciable 

 extent. They are, however, more expensive than Roses lifted from 

 the open ground. 



How to Plant 



Q. How shall I proceed to plant Roses 1 Is it necessary to use 

 manure at planting time ? J. K. L., Romford. 



A. The chief thing to do is to dig the ground at least 2 feet deep. 

 Roses are not successful in badly tilled ground. Well rotted farm- 

 yard manure is the best stuff to dig in the Rose beds before planting, 

 and it should be mixed in the lower 12 inches, so as not to be in 

 direct contact with the roots at first. If this cannot be had, basic 

 slag, applied at the rate of 8 oz. per square yard, may be used. It is 

 best to prepare the ground two or three weeks before the Roses are 



B 



