Roses are undoubtedly the most popular flowers in gardens, and it’s not difficult to see why.
They are versatile, come in many colours and varieties, and they also smell absolutely divine.
For any gardener who wants the best from their roses, using the right fertiliser plays a significant role in not only their health but in just how often and how prolific they bloom each year.
Rose bushes rely heavily on the nutrients in the soil to produce their blooms. In addition, they also need a good base of power from the soil to develop strong stems and foliage.
Unfortunately, because of those constant needs, they can deplete the energy from the soil they grow in fairly quickly.
Without recharging the soil each and every season, it can begin to cause a struggle for your roses. Not just to bloom and flower, but to simply stay healthy.
With that in mind, gardening expert and CEO of GreenPal Bryan Clayton explained how to give hydrangeas a boost with kitchen items that “work wonders”.
Although Bryan also shared a “common pitfall you’ll want to avoid” when fertilising roses naturally.
The expert explained that he had a “love/hate relationship” with roses. He said: “With all their beauty, they can sure be fickle, and in my years wrestling with the land, I’ve found that keeping them happy is part art, part science.
“When it comes to giving roses that extra boost using what you’ve already got at home, there are a couple of things from the kitchen that work wonders, but there’s also a common pitfall you’ll want to avoid.
“Roses might require a bit of extra TLC, but get these things right, and they’ll reward you with some of the most stunning blooms you’ve ever seen.”
First off, banana peels “are like gold for roses” as they’re rich in potassium, which supports the plant’s overall health, helps in flower formation, and strengthens resistance against diseases.
However, don’t just chuck them on top of the soil, though. Chop or blend them into small pieces, and either work them into the soil around the rose or bury them shallowly.
Bryan noted: “This way, they decompose faster and get to work feeding your plants without attracting unwanted pests.”
Coffee grounds are another kitchen scrap “roses love”. They add nitrogen to the soil, improve soil structure, and encourage beneficial worms and microbes.
Sprinkle them lightly around your roses. Just be mindful not to overdo it, as “too much can make the soil too acidic”.
Now, for what to watch out for – eggshells. While they’re often touted as a calcium boost, and they can be, “it’s a mistake to just toss them in without crushing them up first”.
Bryan warned: “Whole or large pieces take ages to break down, meaning your roses don’t get that calcium boost when they need it.”
Crush or powder them before adding them to the soil to make sure your plants can actually use the nutrients.
