Soil Preparation for Roses in Florida
- 1). Remove the soil in the planting area to a depth of 12 inches and from within a 1-foot radius of where you will plant each rose. Shovel one-third of it into a wheelbarrow as you remove it. Move the remaining soil to another part of the garden.
- 2). Add soil conditioner to the soil in the wheelbarrow. The amount of soil conditioner should equal the amount of soil.
- 3). Mix equal parts of sand, calcinated clay (such as unscented cat litter) and perlite until combined. The amount of this combination should be equal to the amount of soil conditioner that you added to the soil. Add this mixture to the wheelbarrow and mix well.
- 4). Add 1/2 lb. of well-rotted manure per square yard of planting area to the wheelbarrow. Mix the amendments until they are thoroughly combined.
- 5). Spread the combined amendments on the soil and mix to a depth of 12 inches. A tiller or long-handled gardening fork will work for this task.
- 6). Rake the area smooth.
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