Roses grown without chemicals are not a myth, but a reality, if you know the secrets of the monks of the Valaam Monastery.
Their main "trump card" is onion peel.
Pour 200 g of husk with 2 liters of boiling water, leave for 48 hours, strain and spray the bushes.
Quercetin in the composition strengthens cell walls, and phytoncides kill aphids and spider mites.
Horticulture Science research has confirmed that the method reduces the risk of black spot by 60% and powdery mildew by 45%.
For feeding, the monks used an infusion of nettle with ash (1 kg of nettle + 1 glass of ash per 10 liters of water). Water the roses once every 2 weeks from May to July.
Gardener Elena from Pskov achieved continuous flowering: “Roses bloom from June until frost, and the aroma fills the entire yard!”
Formation of the bush is the key to success. Cut off faded buds immediately - this stimulates new flowers.
Remove wild shoots at the roots, which take away the plant's strength. Form the bush into a fan so that all shoots receive an equal amount of light.
Plant marigolds or garlic nearby - their smell repels pests.
Mulch roses with pine needles - it retains moisture and suppresses fungi.
At the first signs of rust, spray the bushes with whey (1:10 with water). Avoid fresh manure - it causes root burns.
Water for irrigation should be warm (+20...+25°C), otherwise the fungus will not keep you waiting. Dense planting leads to stretching of shoots - keep a distance of 50-70 cm between bushes.
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya