Here are some ways to grow roses in poor soil ¹ ² ³ ⁴:
- Choose a rose that is suited for your soil type. Some roses are more tolerant of clay soil than others.
- Test the drainage in your planting area by digging a hole about 12 inches deep and filling it with water. If the water drains away within eight hours, you have well-drained soil. If the water level stays high, you have poorly drained soil.
- Amend your planting area with organic matter if it doesn’t drain well. Add 2 to 3 inches of compost or other organic matter such as manure to the planting hole. Then, work it into the native soil with a shovel before planting the rose bush.
- Create a mound if you still have poor drainage after amending your soil. Make a 12-inch-tall mound of native soil in the center of where you want to plant the rose bush using a shovel or spade. Then, excavate a 6-inch planting hole in the center of the mound for your rose bush.
- Add organic matter such as compost, manure, leaf litter, and green manures. Aim for adding at least 2-4 inches of organic material every year.
- Add essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These are essential for plant growth and can be added through organic or chemical fertilizers.
- Add lime or sulfur. Adding lime or sulfur to the soil can help adjust the pH level. If the pH is too high, add sulfur; if it’s too low, add lime.
- Mulch. Mulching is an important step in amending soil for optimal fertility. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the soil from erosion. Aim for a layer of 2-3 inches of mulch.
