Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
lizalew

Soil test

aahl
10 years ago

The rose garden soil test shows pH at 7.0 will all normal except potassium very low and phosphate high. Roses are struggling with the heat and the rainy weather. Any suggestions?? This garden is near Charleston, WV.

Comments (3)

  • michaelg
    10 years ago

    You can find fertilizers with a 3-1-2 or 2-1-2 ratio (such as 12-4-8). Avoid high phosphate or level phosphate (such as 10-10-10). P accumulates permanently in the soil and can cause deficiencies of other nutrients while suppressing beneficial mycorrhyzae.

    Wise of you to get a test.

  • aahl
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Thanks, should I take any action to get the pH to 6.5 or so?

  • michaelg
    10 years ago

    If you have typical roses from the garden center, these are usually grafted on Dr. Huey rootstock that is fine at pH 7. If you have roses on their own roots, some varieties will develop iron deficiency at around pH 6.8.. The new leaves will be pale with greener veins. Other varieties will be able to take up enough iron.

    To lower pH of heavy soil, add 1/2 cup of plain sulfur per square yard and wait six months for it to work. Use less in light, sandy soil. At pH 7, treatment is optional.

Sponsored
EK Interior Design
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars5 Reviews
TIMELESS INTERIOR DESIGN FOR ENDLESS MEMORIES