Susan Sumner > Quotes

“Smaller versions of larger modern roses; bush sizes range from 6 inches to 6 feet (most commonly 1 to 2 feet); leaves and flowers in perfect proportion; great color for small spaces; good for cold climates; also good indoors in pots”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“For every three buckets of soil add one bucket of organic material (compost or manure) to improve the nutrient content in the soil.”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“To help you lower the risk of your roses getting diseases, mulch is a nice way to keep the soil moist, without allowing all of the fungal problems that too much moisture can cause. Mulch also helps deter the growth of weeds around the plant.”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“You will learn quickly enough how much water your plant needs. Part of it depends on the type of soil you have – sandy soil needs more frequent watering than heavier clay soils.”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“If you are over-watering, the leaves will turn yellow and may eventually drop off. If you are under-watering, the leaves will go limp and sag. •         You may want to give the plants a shower once a week. This provides the plant with much needed humidity and cleans dust, dirt, and even spider mites off the leaves.  BUT – this must be done in the early morning so they are completely dry before nightfall.”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“Four weeks after planting, you should start soaking the bed regularly, every week or two - early morning for best results”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“The soil must be well-drained. Roses do not like soggy soil. Don’t plant where water tends to stand idle after a rain. If you don’t have a good well-drained area, one solution is to build a raised flower bed.”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“Begin fertilization approximately three months after planting. Use organic materials as much as possible. Use 3-6 inches of mulch to control the moisture, temperature, and to stop weeds from coming up. Mulch will also help to lock in the vital nutrients your roses need in order to remain healthy.”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“Most roses require at least six hours of good sunlight daily (morning sun is best). Adequate sunlight is a key to growing beautiful roses. Even those that are considered shade compatible will need a minimum of four hours.”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“There must also be good air circulation around your roses. They will not grow well in an enclosed or tight area.”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“Good choices for mulch are: wood chips and stray or dry grass clippings. Apply the mulch two to three inches deep. Decomposition of mulch can strip the soil of nutrients so fertilizer will be necessary. Fertilizing Roses A good fertilizing program is more than just a bunch of . . . well, you get the idea. Fertilizing is the way you ensure that your roses receive their share of nourishment to keep them looking beautiful for years to come.”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“During the first 3-4 weeks after planting, water the roses often. Deep watering helps the roots push deep into the soil, which will allow them to do better in long-hot dry seasons. Roses need a lot of hydration and food to remain healthy.”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“fungal disease.”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More

“Points to Remember •         Roses love water, but they hate standing in pools of water. Be sure that the area around them drains well. •         On average they require approximately one to two inches of water every week – and even more in hotter, very dry periods. Good rule of thumb is to water your plants two to four times a week for approximately 30 minutes a session. •         Be sure to water in the early morning so that the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. If leaves don’t dry before the sun goes down, they may develop a”
― Susan Sumner, Growing Roses: Everything You Need to Know and More