"Jeffrey L. Kline" <Klinej@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message
news:yJkNj.9498$2g1.9133@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> I've used Bayer products and find them to be of high quality. I
> don't use the systemic system, just 'cause I think topical
> application of insect and fungus/black spot control to be more
> effective.
>
> There are a ton of articles on line providing the pro's and con's
> for both synthetic (generally petroleum based) and organic
> fertilizers, including American Rose Society.
>
> With 3000 square feet of garden, I find granulated fertilizer an
> real benefit. Its easy to apply, consistent in its composition, and
> cost effective.
>
> I think the main issues of synthetics from my experience is the salt
> build-up in the soil (and run-off in the water, if you're not
> careful), as well as increasing pH. Both have a tendency to
> decrease the plant's ability to take up the nurturance in the soil.
> (Martin and Gail, in reference to your "roses are busting out all
> over" thread, this is why, so I'm told, that they recommend you
> replace soil when placing a new rose in an old rose site.)
I think you've got a good point there. I try to
use a mixture of organic and non-organic
sources so I'm not quite as worried about
soil conditions, but it might be a concern for
a new rose in an old spot. There's also the
potential problem of disease. A rose that doesn't
last long after planting must have something
wrong with it. Mostly, I think in my case,
it's a matter of roses that can't deal with the
high heat. Roses used to the heat - like Teas -
do great with little effort on my part. And
yeah, I'm planting more and more Teas...
> There are several products that can reduce salt buildup, including
> gypsum. It has the additional benefit of clumping clay, so you get
> better root aeration. In addition, I monitor my soil's pH and
> adjust it to 6 to 6.5.
I add gypsum my soil because it's heavy clay
and I've read gypsum helps with drainage. We've
had floods here, and as far as I can tell I haven't
lost any roses because of too much water.
> I also use horse manure based compose, but I find it is not very
> high in nitrogen. The wood chips used in stalls these days are very
> high in carbon, which actually leaches nitrogen out of the soil, so
> I add nitrogen to the pile while I'm composting it.
>
> And that's my main concern with most "natural" fertilizers. Its
> really hard to know how much of what is in it, and it varies from
> batch to batch. As a result, you can never be sure you're providing
> all of the substrates the plant requires. (Well, I guess if your
> plants are big, green, healthy, and full of blooms, you must be
> doing something right.) Also, if you have a big area, it can get
> quite costly.
>
> Hope this helps
>
> Jeff, Southeast Michigan, Zone 5
Gail
near San Antonio TX Zone 8
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