I am curious how experienced rose gardeners on this forum incorporate fish emulsion into their fertilizer and organic adjunct programs. I know some rosararians swear by it for its readily available nitrogen and support of microbial soil health. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks!
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Specifically, how often and what mode of application? Thanks!
I have incorporated into my schedule to improve/enhance the soil as well as fertilize the roses. The application will depend on how many roses you have. In the past, I have used a 32 gallon plastic garbage can to mix up fertilizer. It might include fish emulsion, a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 chemical fertilizer, perhaps some iron if my plants need it. Then I attach my garden hose to a submersible pump, add a water wand to the hose end, and distribute to my plants so that they get 1 gallon for large roses and about half for mini’s and minifloras. I have changed my strategy a bit now as I realize that I have enough phosphorus and potassium in my soil. The pump is a good solution if you have a number of roses to fertilize.
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Thanks, Diane! How often are you applying?
Although I do not do organic with my roses, (I use a 3-in-1 systemic that is not organic) I try to stick to natural products and remedies. I use my fish fertilizer along with the systemic every 2 weeks for a month and a half, then both monthly. We rent our house, and I grow my roses in huge pots. So they need a wee bit more “lets get going” than roses I have grown in the ground, and I overwinter them in the garage since I am in zone 6. I also use bone meal, epsom salts, and compost (used to also use pulverized banana peels except squirrels kept digging to get them) dug in around the roses before my first liquid application of fish fertilizer and systemic. Finally, I finish them off with neem due to aphids and fresh mulch. My roses are thriving, so they must like what I am doing!
Once a year, usually between spring and summer feedings, I dilute it, and pour it directly onto the plant. That way, some can be absorbed through the leaves; the rest goes into the ground.
I’ve got it from Heirloom Roses. I use it once a month. (BUY the Gallon size).
It seems to work well! I have 27 rose plants and they bloom very well here in SoCal.
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Every three to four weeks
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Do you (or anyone else) have a decent submersible pump you could recommend? Thanks!
Look at an Ez-Flo fertigation bottle, connects to your spigot. Berry Hill Irrigation has the best prices.
I use Alaska fish fertilizer on my potted roses every 2 weeks, but only once per month on my in-ground roses. I start the season off with just the fish fertilizer and once buds start to form, I switch to a 1:1 mixture of fish fertilizer + Alaska Morbloom, same frequency.