Two important tasks to complete in November to ensure roses thrive throughout winter - 'Last chance'

As winter approaches, Fraser urges gardeners to conduct essential checks on their rose beds to ensure optimal conditions for the beloved plants.

Timely interventions of this nature can make a significant difference between thriving roses and struggling plants during winter months.

In a recent video, the expert noted that soil testing could offer gardeners vital insight into the nutrient levels of their soil.

He noted that some gardeners may find their soil is low in potassium, for example, giving them something to address before winter hits.

"If you take a test and you're short of something stickier, let's say something like potassium, then now might be a good time to supplement your potassium," advised the rose specialist.

Completing this task in November will allow for the supplements to properly penetrate the soil before winter sets in.

Drainage assessment becomes equally important during November, according to Fraser. Now is the last opportunity gardeners have to address waterlogging issues.

He noted that standing water observed now will only worsen during the months ahead if ignored.

“If I walk around the landscape and I see standing water now, that is not going to get better during the winter," noted Fraser.

“This would be my final chance to pull my rose up, and put it in a container instead of leaving it in a muddy pit over the winter.”

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reiterated that roses thrive best when planted in a sunny position with well-draining soil.

It stressed the importance of moisture-retentive and fertile soil conditions for successful rose cultivation.

The organisation also noted that roses are "very responsive to mulching and feeding".

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YouTuber Paul, from Paul's Green Space, recently broke down the benefits of mulching roses on his channel.

"Apply a substantial layer of mulch around the plant's base to help prevent the spread of black spots," he advised.

The mulch serves as a protective barrier, preventing soil-borne spores from splashing onto the plant during rainfall.

This simple yet effective technique helps maintain rose health by stopping black spot disease from spreading to the plants.