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For many gardeners, autumn presents a good window of opportunity to fertilize rose beds before the first frosts of the year take hold.<\/p>\n
Fertilizing should take place roughly six to eight weeks before the average first frost date is due, to prevent damage to any new growth.<\/p>\n
Not only does the practice of fertilising protect the shrubs against the harsh conditions of winter, but if done correctly, it can also stop the surrounding weeds.<\/p>\n
One of the most revered alternative feeds is commonly used in agricultural practices and horticultural environments; it is none other than alfalfa.<\/p>\n
\u201cA mulch for garden roses, it does far more than slow weeds,” explain experts at Wegman\u2019s Nursery. \u201cAs it disintegrates, alfalfa yields an alcohol, triacontanol, to which roses take a particular shine.\u201d<\/p>\n
It’s important to consider that alfalfa hay can become mat after watering, which prevents any additional water from seeping into the ground.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Alfalfa is an incredible source of nitrogen, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, which work in conjunction to emanate an abundance of blooms.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Home design\u00a0explained that these nutrients make alfalfa \u201cone of the best overall organic amendments\u201d for your rose shrubs.<\/p>\n
According to the experts, not only does the substance \u201cresult in more vigorous growth,\u201d but it also \u201cincreases bloom production\u201d.<\/p>\n
For optimal fertilizing, it is best to water the rose shrubs right before feeding them as this will deliver the nutrients to the roots more efficiently.<\/p>\n
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Alternative feeds like alfalfa come in various forms and all are beneficial to the health of your roses.\u00a0<\/p>\n
One method is to soak some alfalfa pellets in a bucket of water for a couple of hours so that they become soft and pour the liquid onto the rose beds.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, alfalfa can come as a meal, which can be sprinkled in generous amounts around the rose bushes after they\u2019ve been watered.<\/p>\n
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