pruning

Planning

Before buying roses you should survey the area where you will be planting them. Most roses require 6-8 hours of direct sun and can withstand full sun in our planting region. Next, pick roses that are disease resistant. Buy roses from a reputable nursery, check the labels on the roses you are planning to purchase or go to http://www.helpmefind.com/rose. Help Me Find lists thousands of roses with information about each.

See if you can find an in-ground example of the rose(s) that you have selected. We are blessed with two very good rose gardens in this area. The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden has mainly modern roses. The San Jose Heritage Rose Garden has old and rare roses that are, generally, harder to find.

Don't forget about size. Roses range from small to very large. You don't want to put a six foot tall and wide rose in a four foot space. Most modern roses are repeat bloomers but some only bloom in the spring. Many older roses are also once bloomers. Make sure your rose is the type you want.

Planting

If you purchase your rose(s) in January or February, they will generally come as bare root plants. After February, most nurseries pot up the plants. Bare root roses are generally less expensive than potted roses.

Much of the soil in our area is heavy clay but there are many areas of loamy soils. Check to see what kind of soil you have. This will have a direct effect on the amount of water you give your plant.

The following resources are provided by Master Gardener Allen Buchinski.

Presentation Material:

• Backyard Pruning Presentation (PDF) 

Links:

• The California Backyard Orchard (University of California)
• Fruit Trees: Training and Pruning Deciduous Trees (PDF), CHUCK INGELS, UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor, Environmental Horticulture, Sacramento County; PAMELA M. GEISEL, UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor, Environmental Horticulture, Fresno County; CAROLYN L. UNRUH, UC Cooperative Extension staff writer
• Calendar of Operations (search on UC ANR website)

Books:

•  California Master Gardener Handbook
• The Home Orchard: Growing Your Own Deciduous Fruit and Nut Trees, University of California
• Pests of the Garden and Small Farm, Mary Louise Flint, University of California
• How to Prune Fruit Trees, R. Sandford Martin

Learn how summer pruning can be an effective way to control the size of your fruit trees.  Fruit thinning and espalier techniques will also be demonstrated.

Followed by Open Garden and tours of the gardens with Master Gardeners, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Master Gardener Sue Bell will share her expert knowledge on pruning and maintaining a beautiful landscape at home. Sue is a garden consultant and designer and is a veritable fount of information. Come learn how to avoid the "uglies" and "gee, it will grow back again, won't ir?" problems with pruning your ornamentals.

Space is limited. Phone the MetroEd/Erikson office at (408) 723-6450 during regular business hours to sign up, or email RitaB@metroed.net.

Master Gardener Sue Bell will talk about which shrubs to prune and not prune, and what to do in the garden in the winter.   Sue has an extensive garden and is known for her passion for design and cut flowers so come with your questions!

Pruning fruit trees is always a popular topic! Pruning will:

*Control tree's size for easier care in maintaining and picking fruit

* Increase strength - develop strong limb structure

* Distribute sunlight evenly throughout tree

* Regulate fruit bearing - remove excess fruitwood

* Renew fruitwood - continue strong buds and flowers

* Remove undesirable wood - dead, broken and crossing branches

The best time of year to prune fruit trees is the dormant season, December, January (best) and until the middle of February, but note summer schedule for Apricots.

See also the University of California guide for home orchards at http://homeorchard.ucdavis.edu

The workshop is free but registration is required. Please register by contacting RitaB@metroed.net or calling 408-723-6450 from Monday through Friday during business hours.

Join experienced Master Gardeners who will show you the best techniques for dormant pruning.