By March, new growth starts to appear. The application of fertilizer should be applied when the new growth is about two inches long. Along with the new growth come the insects and diseases. It is also time to control weeds. Using any mulch such as manure, ground bark, straw etc., helps to control weeds, keeps moisture in and helps to keep soil temperatures down.
Water is probably the most important thing in growing roses.
Keep the ground around your roses damp, but not soggy. Roses need 2 to 3 inches of water a week. Getting the foliage wet late in the day promotes diseases. To encourage new bloom, the old bloom must be cut off the plant. For more information on rose care in the Redding area, you can contact any of the following Consulting Rosarians.