Although more and more resistant roses are being bred these days, these flowers remain quite susceptible to various pests and germs - this is mainly due to less suitable locations and unfavorable weather conditions (which the gardener cannot do anything about). In warm summers, powdery mildew and sooty mildew occur more frequently in wet conditions, whereby even robust roses can become ill. There is no such thing as a rose that is absolutely resistant to all diseases, which is why compliance with the general conditions and keeping the plants healthy are so important.
Roses should be sprayed by natural means for backing to the environment and the health of mammals and insects
Roses protect and strengthen with natural means
If you want to protect your roses and strengthen their resistance or treat an infestation, you don't have to resort to chemicals straight away. Biological plant strengtheners help to prevent diseases and ward off pests; at the same time they act like an additional fertilizer - quite apart from the fact that you do not have to buy these agents for expensive money, but can easily produce them yourself. If possible, spray these tonics when the sky is overcast to avoid burning the rose petals due to the lens effect caused by the droplets.
horsetail tea
The weeds that grow in abundance along the edges of paths and fields are full of minerals, trace elements and are also a valuable supplier of silicic acid. You can buy ready-made field horsetail extract from specialist retailers, but you can also prepare it yourself using the following recipe:
- You need 100 grams of fresh herb or 15 grams of dried herb and a liter of water.
- Soak the horsetail in water for 24 hours.
- Then boil the herb in the soaking water for half an hour and allow the broth to cool.
- Dilute the infusion with fresh water in a ratio of 1:4.
nettle manure
Nettles are extremely healthy not only for roses, but also for humans - young nettle leaves taste delicious, especially in salads. Nettles are rich in iron, nitrogen, phosphorus and various trace elements. You can use nettle manure as follows:
- You need a kilogram of fresh nettles or 200 grams of dried nettles and 10 liters of water.
- Cut the nettles into small pieces
- and put them in an earthenware or plastic container with the water.
- Leave the mixture in a dark place for 10 to 14 days
- and stir them daily.
- The unpleasant smell can be mitigated with a little stone flour.
- As soon as the slurry stops foaming, fermentation is complete.
- Now dilute it with fresh water in a ratio of 1:10.
Nettle manure is best used for watering.
Onion or Garlic Juice
Allium plants such as garlic or onions help very well against fungal diseases due to the germicidal ingredients. You can use garlic or onion manure individually or as a mixture.
Fast-acting sprays for emergencies
If pests or diseases are stubbornly affecting your roses, a fast-acting remedy from a specialist shop can help. There are now many biological remedies on the market, for example based on neem oil, rapeseed oil or pyrethrum. If, on the other hand, it should be a chemical agent (especially against fungal diseases), then this is sprayed early as a preventative measure when the leaves sprout and again before the beginning of flowering. Do not always use the same agent, but change the brand from time to time - this will prevent resistance.
tips
Transplant your roses with different herbs such as lavender, sage, borage, marigolds, onions or marigolds. These repel pests and help keep the roses healthy.