Get your roses to grow [http://www.rosegardenadvice.com/roses-to-grow] by following this simple credo: Research, Plan, and only then Plant. It is very important that you know everything there is out there about your roses before you can even plan on bringing any of them home. So talking to friends and neighbors who share your interest in gardening is the first step. They will be able to tell you stuff based on their experience which you won't find in any book. You need to decide on the type of roses you want, whether they are suited to your climate zone, and determine the state of your soil.
To ascertain your climate zone, look up the USDA Hardiness Map, and determine the best time of year to start planting your roses.
* Pacific North-West (Zones 3-9) : January to April
* North Central (Zones 2-6): April to June; October & November
* North-East & Eastern Coast (Zones 2-9): March to June; October & November
* South-West & Pacific Coast (Zones 5-10): December & January
* South Central (Zones 4-9): December to February
The next step is to test your soil conditions. A pH balance of 5.3 to 7.0 is good for your plants. Use a calibrated and clean pH tester on different areas of your garden; take at least six readings to see if the soil conditions are the same everywhere. If not, calculate the average pH balance and select only those plants which are suited to your soil. You can adjust the acidity or alkalinity of your soil if required.
If you want your garden to be in full bloom throughout the season, select repeat bloomers like China, Portland, Bourbon, Hybrid Perpetual, and Tea. If you can be content with seeing your roses just once a year, Alba, Gallica, Damask, Centifolia, and Moss are the ones for you. To decorate your trellises, archways, hedges or fences, you should ask specifically for climbers.
You are now ready to head to the nursery. Discuss in detail with the staff about your choice of roses and ascertain that they are well suited to your climate zone and soil conditions. Insist only on disease-resistant varieties. A simple method of protecting your plants against fungal diseases is to dip the plants in peroxide or a bleach solution before planting.
Maintain a minimum of 2 feet space between each plant. Water deeply and thoroughly and keep a check on soil drainage. Remember to keep the soil moist at all times but not soaking wet. Water the roots not the leaves as this is the main cause of fungal infection. Mulch around the plant; this helps the soil to retain moisture. Prune all damaged, diseased, or dead wood in early spring to encourage new foliage and increased blooms. Feed your plants a good organic fertilizer once a week during spring but stop feeding at least six weeks before frost sets in.
With these measures, you will soon be the proud owner of a beautiful and well-maintained rose garden.