Containers

If you're short on space, grow roses in containers. While most people think you need a plot of land to grow roses, many home gardeners have excellent success growing beautiful roses in containers. Small spaces like sunny balconies, decks or terraces, and even exterior stairways and indoor window ledges, will work.

Miniature roses are obvious candidates for this type of rose gardening, but full-sized roses, even climbers and trees, can be grown in containers.

Decay-resistant wooden tubs and boxes, porous terra cotta or glazed pottery and even plastic pots make good containers. Whichever you choose, make sure adequate drainage is provided by several holes in the bottom of the container. Cleats or feet underneath keep the pots from sitting in water. Or attach casters for easy mobility.

Plant the roses in containers using a ready-made planting mix or a mixture of equal parts top soil and organic matter such as peat moss. Place the containers where bushes will get at least five to six hours of direct morning or midday sunlight. Allow for adequate air movement through the foliage and keep the soil evenly moist at all times. Also, feed regularly with a liquid or time-released fertilizer.