How do I prepare a rose garden in sandy soil?

Question

Soil is very sandy. I love roses and have some to plant. I know that I have to add compost etc to the soil but what else do I do?

Answer 1

Peat Moss add it to your mixture and feed the roses with Blood meal also they like a little Epson salt. If you have any evergreen they really like the Epson salt. In both cases just sprinkel a couple handfuls around the plants and water well. Water either in the early morning or in the late afternoon as the water on the leaves in the hot sun will burn the leaves.

Answer 2

I agree. Sandy soil means good drainage which most plants desire. Add lots of compost before planting; Gromulch, soil conditioner, or any kind of planter mix you can find. Add more than you think. Either spread it all around the whole area and shovel turn it in or just add it to the individual holes. This will help you soil retain water as to not drain away so fast. And you won't have to water as long or as often. Composted horse manure mulch is a fabulous top dressing for roses too!

Good luck :-)

Answer 3

Sandy soil should be great---most important thing for roses is a big hole to fit them into. Also, not planting them near a tree, as they can't compete with tree-roots for water & nourishment. Dig the biggest hole you can to place your roses in---center them on a mound of good soil and peat moss, and be sure that the "join" on the rosebush (the knobby part) isn't covered by soil, and is just above ground-level. Be sure there aren't air-pockets in the hole as you back-fill it. Roses need full sun, ventilation around them to keep down disease, and very good watering once a week.

Answer 4

I agree with these girls,
DRAINAGE is very important, especially in sandy soil,
and they don't like to compete with a bunch of other bushes
and stuff growing around them. Lots of sun.