Growing roses organically can be achieved successfully by planting out rose varieties that are resistant to diseases such as rugosa roses, Moss, centerfolia and .... are also good varieties for organic cultivation. There are many ways to overcome diseases and pests by spraying with natural sprays.
By following the seasonal chart in rose cultivation and replacing the insecticides and systemic sprays with organic remedies your garden will remain chemical ly free. We have had many customers state that they have not sprayed with harsh chemicals and as a result they have had a garden full of Ladybirds and blooms. Ladybirds can consume thousands of aphids a day assisting with aphid management. Watering the leaves and flower buds early in the morning will not only wash away the aphids but will assist with powdery mildew by washing the fungus off the leaves making it harder for the mildew to take hold.
Following are some recipes for sprays to prevent insects and possums from chewing your rose buds and also recipes for Black Spot and Powdery Mildew that are all organic and will not harm the environment. By spraying organically we are protecting ourselves and the environment.
Powdery Mildew - Powdery Mildew is a white powdery fungus that appears on the leaves. Powdery Mildew is caused by humidity and is worse when the weather changes to colder nights and warm days. Poor air flow between plants causes the mildew to form also. Spray with full cream milk mixed one part to six parts water. The fat suffocates the spores. Ensure good air ventilation.
Black Spot - Black Spot is a fungal disease which turns the leaves yellow with black spots. These leaves once infected fall off the bush and the plants capacity to produce good blooms is seriously reduced. The disease is caused by the humidity in the air and poor air circulation and is spread by spores from affected leaves and ground matter, spores can contaminate gardening equipment causing the disease to spread further. As soon as the Black Spot is noticed, the affected leaves should be removed from both the bush and from the ground. Spraying with a tea made by soaking Shea Oak leaves will assist with disease resistance. A milk spray will also assist 1 part milk to 6 parts water. I have also been told by lots of customers that mixing a little bit of Morning Fresh with water will kill the Black Spot spores. By feeding and pruning the surrounding area a little for better air flow and trying to avoid watering the plants leaves late in the day will also prevent the spores being spread further.
Spider Mites, Aphids and Thrips - The prevention of these insects from attacking the rose bushes can be done by spraying with a tea made by using all organic herbs. I try to make up a tea by using a mixture of garlic, lavender, rue, lemon or lime juice, tansy, pyrethrum and any other potent herb used for deterring pests. Sometimes I add a little curry powder as this contains a number of spices that the insects do not like. Soak the chopped up leaves overnight by pouring boiling water from the kettle in a bucket and then in the next couple of days add a little vinegar and tumeric. The tumeric gives the brew a yellow colour and there for makes spraying a little easier to see the area that you have covered. Strain the mixture through a large piece of shade cloth and then through a stocking. Label and pour into bottles and mix 1 parts to 3 parts water. Once sprayed you will see how the insects are affected. This spray is best used about two to three times a week and once used the numbers of insects affecting the roses drop dramatically.
Rose Scale - Rose Scale is a small insect that has a hard outer shell. It sucks the sap from the rose stems and spreads along the canes. Usually scale occurs in areas that are warm, dry and protected under the eaves of the house or against a fence. The scale can be suffocated by spraying with canola oil or by using an old toothbrush with soap and brushing the scales off.
