While there are many different types of fertilizers available, some gardeners believe that horse manure is the best choice for roses, as it’s a natural and effective way to promote healthy blooms.
Roses are the queens of the garden, excreting beauty and fragrance that delight the senses. Just sunlight and water are not enough ingredients; they require extra care to produce more flowers, as you expect.
Like any other plant, roses require nutrients to grow strong stems, lush foliage, and vibrant flowers. While there are many ways to feed your roses, horse manure is one of the best and most natural options.
But why is horse manure good for roses, and how should you use it?
Let’s dig in.
What is horse manure?
Horse manure is a type of animal waste that consists of partially digested food and feces produced by horses. This plant is rich in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Therefore, horse manure is considered a natural fertilizer.
Is horse manure good for roses?
No doubt, horse manure is a great source of organic material. It contains carbon-based compounds that decompose slowly and enrich the soil over time. When you add Horse manure to your rose bed, you’re feeding the plants and improving the soil structure, texture, and water-holding capacity. This can lead to healthier roots, better drainage, and less erosion.
Here is how horse manure is best for your roses
Work as natural fertilizer
As horse manure is a natural fertilizer, it highly consists of macro and micronutrients that provide the plants’ with optimum balance.
Unlike synthetic fertilizers that often supply these nutrients in excess, horse manure releases them slowly and in a form that the plants can easily absorb. This reduces the risk of burning or shocking the plants and the leaching of nutrients into groundwater.
Easy to obtain
Horse manure is relatively easy to obtain and inexpensive, especially if you live near a horse farm. In addition to preventing diseases and weed infestation, it also improves the texture and odor of the grass.
However, keep in mind that fresh horse manure can be too hot for recess and can be the reason for weed growth. To prevent plant roots, it is recommended that horse manure be composted for at least six months before use.
Eco-friendly and sustainable choice
Horse manure can be an eco-friendly and sustainable choice for fertilizing gardens and crops. It is a natural and renewable resource that provides nutrients to the soil, improves soil structure, and promotes healthy plant growth. By using horse manure, you can say bye to chemical fertilizers. Natural organic material won’t hurt your environment easily.
When and how should apply horse manure to roses?
Some basic guidelines require before layer the horse manure:
- Factor to consider: Avoid piling a fresh layer of horse manure. Let decompose or age, as the new waste can lead your rose roots into danger. So, it will become difficult for plants to survive.
- Timing: Add horse manure to roses in spring or fall, after the last frost and before the first frost, respectively.
- Amount: just like other mulches add 2-3 inch layers of horse manure around the base of the rose plant.
- Spread: Spread an equal amount of manure but be sure that it doesn’t touch the stem directly.
- Watering: After completion of the all process, water the roses deeply which helps the manure to reach the root system.
Why Horse Manure To Choose?
Which roses Types Immune to horse manure?
All rose plants need plenty of nutrients to produce more flowers, and horse manure is the perfect dose to boost them to grow well.
Some of the roses that benefit from horse manure include:
- English roses
- Climbing roses
- Floribunda roses
- Grandiflora roses
- Old garden roses
When using the horse manure, mix the composted manure into the soil around the base of the roses, and water them well to help the nutrients soak in. Don’t lay waste on leaves or flowers as this will lead to an infestation. By using horse manure in this way, you can help your roses grow strong and healthy and produce beautiful blooms all season long.
