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ddpie · Elite BakeSpacer Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 8618

winterizing my strawberry bed and also my roses.

So, I'm in zone 5...I understand that I should cover my strawberries with straw? how much? until their completely covered? and when do I do this, before frost or after the plants die...I'm so confused.

Also, as for my rose bushes....now what?

I have "double knock out" roses- the tag just says to cut them down to a third, anything else?

Also, "carpet roses"- again, the tag just says to cut them down to a third (ok, be impressed that I even kept the tags LOL)

"First prize rose"- a cutting rose (what I think of as a 'true" rose bush) I'm positive that I need to cut this one down to a third too, but do I need to cover it with one of those bucket looking thingy's?

More importantly, WHEN do I cut the rose bushes back? They're still growing and blooming!

K, I'm gonna scour the internet for info, meantime, if y'all have suggestions, please help a sista out. Wink

THANKS!

Martha · Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 12:37 pm Post subject:

Hey DD!
I used to just cut back the roses whenever the leaves start dying off....or a frost, probably. Then just mulch them a couple of inches deep around the stems and they'll be ok.

As far as the strawberries, whenever you think they're done producing edible fruit, just cover them completely with straw. Tuck some around the stems too. (I used to cover them, then brush them gently with my hand, so the straw falls on the ground between the plants, then cover them completely.) They're pretty hardy in cold temps, so don't worry about them too much.

I miss my gardens... I used to have so many different things and they all grew beautifully! Damn deer and rabbits!

ddpie · Elite BakeSpacer Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 8618

thanks Martha! very helpful info....I'm a bit relieved, sounds like I have a bit more time than I thought, I was about to panic LOL

Martha · Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 5:52 pm Post subject:

No, don't worry..... I've left mine until they had snow on them and they still were fine in the spring. And I live farther north than you do! You just don't want them to freeze solid, that's why you're putting a blanket on them.

BiscottiQueen · Executive Chef Joined: 25 Nov 2008 Posts: 461

Oh yeah, I just throw straw on my bed until spring. I have to start pulling runners here soon though.
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