Exactly What To Plant Before March Ends

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If you're eager to get in the garden as soon as possible and you love roses, then you could be right on time: You should be planting roses before March ends. Planting in early spring lets roses in the ground get established before the wilting heat of summer sets in. Plus, you get to hop back out into the garden sooner.

Planting before the end of March also is especially important in places where winters get below -10 degrees Fahrenheit. In warmer, southern states, you can get away with planting roses in either the fall or spring, but in colder states, spring is best. As long as the ground has thawed, then you're good to go. You can plant either upright rose shrubs or groundcover varieties in the spring. 

For a low-lying type, pick the particularly robust, disease-resistant cultivar 'Flower Carpet' roses. They're relatively low maintenance, especially for beginners. They can be especially rewarding, too, since they produce flowers over a long time and in warmer climates, they can even bloom all-year round. Another easy-to-grow cultivar, 'Knock Out' roses, grow as larger shrubs that can reach heights of 4 feet tall. They're not afraid of a little cold, either, since they can survive down to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5. If you want colorful roses with deep hues, then pick the 'Easy Elegance' series. Once you've made your choice, then it's time to head out to the garden.

When it comes to planting roses, first you'll need to pick the right spot. Roses like well-draining soil and full sun. It's also a good idea not to put them in a crowded garden bed, or near established trees with large roots that might out-compete them for nutrients in the soil. While roses prefer loam soil, they'll manage with other types, too. You can even grow roses in clay soil if it's a little on the acidic side. They like pH around 6.0 to 6.5.

While you can grow roses from seed, it'll take longer for them to flower. In some cases, you might even be waiting 3 to 5 years. A starter shrub in a pot is the simplest to transplant, but you can also plant bare-root or divisions. You'll need to soak the roots in water so that they're well hydrated. Let them sit in the water for about 8 to 12 hours.

Some roses can be prone to infections, so it might be a good idea to treat roots with a fungicide, such as Daconil fungicide, before planting. If you want an all-natural treatment, you can try the natural fungicidal properties in cinnamon on plants for a healthy, vibrant garden. Next, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball. If you have more than one rose plant, make sure to keep about two feet between each one. Always make sure your roses have good air circulation. This will help them grow and avoid diseases.