Climbing Rose

In areas with poor soil, it is good to use compost, mulch , peat moss and manure to enrich the soil. Even though the lighter shades of the climbing rose do well in partial shade, it is good to plant them where plenty of sunlight is available. The first two or three years the climbing rose does not need pruning. Use a slow nitrogen release commercil fertilizer and water one to two inches per week, especially in sandy soil. Support by tying canes with string or plastic to a trellis. Remove weak canes or dead wood to prevent overcrowding. Deadhead by removing spent flowers. A foliar spray is needed every three to four weeks during summer,such as fifty percent diluted liquid fertilizer. Peat moss, peat nuggets, wooded chips or shredded bark will help keep the soil moist. During the winter it is good to remove the canes from their support and cover them with soil for protection against freezing.

Flowering Dogwood

www.ces.ncsu.edu/floweringdogwood Spring is the best time to plant dogwood trees. When planting the hole should be three times the diameter of the rootball. When filling the hole, use part soil and part organic material. Spread peat moss around the tree. Reasons for this are, 1. peat moss retains up to 20 times it's weight in moisture,2. it loosens and aerates soil to help root growth, 3. reduces leaching of nutrients from fertilizer by slowly releasing these into the root system.

PH in Soil

Plants receive their nutrients because organic matter is broken down by bacteria. (ph) is parts of hydrogen. Parts of hydrogen is measured in acidic and alkaline. The scale ranges are 0 to 14. The neutral range is 7.0. If the (ph) is too high the bacteria can not do it's job. The plants will not receive all the nutrients needed. You can adjust the (ph) if too high or too low. Dig in some dolomitic limestone if too high and if too low you can dig in peat moss.