Can You Grow Beautiful Roses Without Breaking Your Back?
Many people love to grow beautiful roses. However, many people wind up in agonizing pain, often injuring their back and other parts of their body. Growing roses can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be physically demanding if you’re not careful. Injuries can happen with a simply twist and turn.
Common Mistakes That Lead To Injury
It almost makes gardening seem like more of a sure fire way to get to the hospital but most mistakes happen due to carelessness. There are so many things you can do to avoid these pitfalls!
If you are not using the right tools, you can not only damage your roses, but you can also hurt yourself. Little holes in the lawn can put you in harm’s way because it is easy to twist your foot and break your leg or even a hip!
How A Consulting Rosarian Does It
Here are some tips from Consulting Rosarian, Susan Fox, from Gagasgarden.com for growing roses without putting strain on your back:
- Location, location, location! There are many factors to consider. Sunlight is key! Take a look at the area where you want to plant throughout the day and see how much sunlight it gets. Make sure your rose bed is located in an area that gets plenty of sunlight and is easily accessible. It’s best to avoid areas with uneven or sloping terrain as they can be difficult to work on.
- Soil condition. Before planting your roses, prepare the soil by removing any weeds, rocks or debris. Work in organic matter like compost, aged manure or peat moss to improve the soil’s fertility and drainage.
- Use containers or raised beds: Containers are ideal because you can place them anywhere. Raised beds can reduce the strain on your back by elevating the soil level, making it easier to plant, water and prune your roses. You can build a simple raised bed using untreated lumber, bricks or stones.
The Right Stuff
- Use the right tools: Invest in good-quality gardening tools that are ergonomically designed to reduce strain on your back and joints. Use a long-handled trowel, pruner or hoe to reach down to the roots of your roses without bending over.
- Deadhead and mulch your roses: Applying a layer of mulch around your roses can help conserve moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Use a lightweight mulch like shredded bark or compost that won’t put unnecessary weight on your back.
- Conserve water and your energy! A drip irrigation system can help deliver water directly to the roots of your roses, minimizing water waste and reducing the need for manual watering.
- Prune your roses properly: Pruning your roses can improve their health and appearance, but it can also be a physically demanding task. Use sharp, high-quality pruners and take breaks as needed to avoid strain on your back.
Listen To The Interview!
By following these tips, you can enjoy growing beautiful roses without breaking your back. Listen to the full interview below for more tips.
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