May is a crucial time for gardeners as it marks the transition between spring and summer. The rising soil temperatures and longer daylight hours pave a sturdy foundation for a thriving garden. However, with this month being so significant, it is important that gardeners carry out necessary tasks to ensure a healthy and beautiful garden throughout the year.
Among the many tasks gardeners are already working to complete, those with roses in their outdoor spaces have been especially urged to spray the flowers with soapy water. While the advice may be deemed unorthodox, it has proved extremely necessary for the health and longevity of the flowers.
Gardeners are likely to find a rise in aphids targeting their plants this May. The soft-bodied insects that feed on the nutrient-rich sap of plants often go for roses this month, as new growth emerges.
Despite their small size, they can cause significant damage, including stunted shoot growth, curled leaves, deformed buds, and sticky residue known as honeydew, which attracts ants and leads to the growth of black mould, which restrains photosynthesis.
Therefore, in order to protect roses from an aphid infestation, HouseandGarden.co.uk suggest a homemade soapy water solution.
All you have to do is mix one teaspoon of washing-up liquid in three litres of water, and spray it directly onto your roses. It notes that the effective measure will “control the problem without using harmful pesticides”.
Alternatively, gardeners can wash aphids off the buds with a hose and onto the soil. The insects will then be “dealt with by other beneficial insects”.
Other rose care tips that are vital this month include ensuring they are well watered as we enter the warmest period of the year, and gardeners should give plants a liquid feed every week to provide the right amount of nutrients and minerals that will help them bloom.
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